The impact of the refugee decision on the trajectory of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among asylum seekers: a longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine prospectively the trajectory of trauma-related psychiatric symptoms and disability amongst asylum seekers over the course of the refugee determination process. To identify the direct impact of the refugee decision on psychiatric symptoms by adjusting for other variables, namely sociodemographic characteristics, past trauma, and ongoing postmigration stresses.


METHODS
A prospective cohort study of asylum seekers recruited from a random sample of immigration agents in Sydney, Australia.


METHODS
Consecutive asylum seekers were referred for interview by immigration agents. Interviews were undertaken after the initial application and on average, 3.8 months after the refugee decision.


METHODS
Measures assessed premigration trauma and postmigration stressors. Mental health status was assessed using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. Functional impairment was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form 12.


RESULTS
Sixty-two of 73 asylum seekers were retained at follow-up. The accepted (16) and rejected (46) groups did not differ on premigration trauma or baseline psychiatric symptoms. Postdecision, the accepted group showed substantial improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and in mental health functioning, whereas the rejected group maintained high levels of symptoms on all psychiatric indices.


CONCLUSIONS
Establishing secure residency status for asylum seekers may be important to their recovery from trauma-related psychiatric symptoms. The practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Silove
Derrick
D
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales and Centre for Population Mental Health Research, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia.
Steel
Zachary
Z
Susljik
Ina
I
Frommer
Naomi
N
Loneragan
Celia
C
Chey
Tien
T
Brooks
Robert
R
le Touze
Dominique
D
Ceollo
Mariano
M
Smith
Mitchell
M
Harris
Elizabeth
E
Bryant
Richard
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009517:New South Wales; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*