title: Somatization in refugees: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a review of the literature concerning medically unexplained physical symptoms in refugees.
  
  
  METHODS
  We outline a variety of definitions and explanations of somatization, as well as the role of culture in the concept of disease. In addition, we present a review of the epidemiological literature about somatization in refugees.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Refugees from non-Western countries exhibit more unexplained somatic symptoms than the general Western population. Although different studies have employed different methodologies and are therefore difficult to compare, it can be concluded that refugees form a particular population in which somatization is prominent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Potential, not mutually exclusive, explanations of the high number of somatic symptoms in the refugee population include general psychopathology, specifically traumatisation, results of torture, and stigmatisation of psychiatric care. There are implications for assessment, clinical treatment and further research concerning somatization in refugees.
authors.affiliation: Foundation Centrum'45/Foundation Arq, Rijnzichtweg 35, 2342 AX, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands, h.rohlof@centrum45.nl.
authors.forename: Hans G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Rohlof
authors.forename: Jeroen W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Knipscheer
authors.forename: Rolf J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kleber
mesh_terms: D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D014104:Torture / Q000523:psychology