World Refugee Day: US stresses on mental health screening among refugees

Posted on 06-20-2017 Posted in Mental Health - 0 Comments

Forced to leave their homeland due to violence, conflict or torture, refugees’ wounds are often deeply emotional. Even after reaching safe grounds, many struggle with fear and loneliness. While the plight of asylum seekers is a worldwide crisis, experts feel that they should be provided with psychiatric treatment.

In need for urgent mental health counseling, most refugees populations have a high prevalence of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic attacks, among others. Although major symptoms may be present during initial medical screening, factors such as social stigma surrounding mental illness, language and cultural barriers usually prevent timely treatment.

Numbers say it all

According to the media reports, the United States admitted a total of 46,371 refugees in the first eight months of fiscal 2017. Of which, more than 16,200 entered the country after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. In May 2017, the country admitted a total of 3,957 refugees as compared to 6,511 in May 2016. As per data from the State Department’s Refugee Processing Center, some of the countries that accounted for the highest number of refugees coming to the U.S. included Iraq, Syria, Iran, Ukraine, Somalia, Burma, Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Eritrea.

The domestic medical screening evaluation presents a unique opportunity for the government and health care agencies to identify the refugees in need of urgent psychiatric treatment and provide them with mental health resources. A timely identification and treatment may assist them to integrate and live productive lives in their new homeland. Addressing the mental health conditions in the newly arrived refugees is often among the biggest health challenge faced by the U.S. health care system.

Observed on June 20 each year, the United Nations’ World Refugee Day honors the strength, determination and bravery of millions of refugees worldwide. The day marks a key moment for people across the world to show support for millions of men, women and children forced to flee their own countries under the threat of conflict and violence and to recognize the contributions made by these asylum seekers in their communities.

Initial domestic medical examination: Mental health-related components

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), following are some suggested components of initial mental health screening evaluation to help care providers to determine the need for immediate or routine mental health treatment for refugees:

Patient history and medical examination : In addition to routine physical examination, refugees should be evaluated for physical and mental health disorders with associated substance-related disorders and harmful behaviors. Individuals with only mental health disorders should be referred for evaluation by a mental health specialist while those with mental health disorder with either a history or no history of associated harmful behavior should be referred to specialized facilities.

: In addition to routine physical examination, refugees should be evaluated for physical and mental health disorders with associated substance-related disorders and harmful behaviors. Individuals with only mental health disorders should be referred for evaluation by a mental health specialist while those with mental health disorder with either a history or no history of associated harmful behavior should be referred to specialized facilities. Screening for mental health disorders : A part of routine medical examination, screening for mental health disorders should scrutinize an individual’s behavior that may indicate anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Clinicians should also look for symptoms including paranoia, delusions or hallucinations. Refugees above 16 years should also be screened for symptoms of PTSD and major depression.

: A part of routine medical examination, screening for mental health disorders should scrutinize an individual’s behavior that may indicate anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Clinicians should also look for symptoms including paranoia, delusions or hallucinations. Refugees above 16 years should also be screened for symptoms of PTSD and major depression. Referral for individuals at significant risk: Upon identification, individuals with extreme mental health disorder symptoms should be referred to experts for evaluation and effective treatment.

Following are some recommendations for mental health screenings during the initial domestic medical examination:

Relationship with refugee resettlement agencies : Health care providers should attempt to educate themselves about the history and cultural beliefs of the refugee population they serve. In addition, health clinics providing screening should form good working relations with refugee resettlement agencies to obtain important information pertaining to refugees.

: Health care providers should attempt to educate themselves about the history and cultural beliefs of the refugee population they serve. In addition, health clinics providing screening should form good working relations with refugee resettlement agencies to obtain important information pertaining to refugees. Acute psychiatric emergencies : Though infrequent, when presented, acute psychiatric emergencies should be dealt with immediately by clinical facilities conducting domestic medical examination. In addition, there should be an established mechanism to expedite psychiatric evaluation in urgent situations.

: Though infrequent, when presented, acute psychiatric emergencies should be dealt with immediately by clinical facilities conducting domestic medical examination. In addition, there should be an established mechanism to expedite psychiatric evaluation in urgent situations. Follow-up primary care referral: Many refugees may not present all symptoms of their disorder during the initial screening. So, a follow-up should be done as some symptoms can emerge months or years after resettlement. In addition, clinicians should also be aware that many refugees may manifest stress-related somatic symptoms including headaches or a backache and should be treated for the same along with their mental health disorders.

Refugees must be given much-needed treatment for mental health disorders

A lifelong process, recovery from a mental health disorder requires timely care of professionals. As a leading mental health care provider, Sovereign Health of Florida offers a variety of behavioral health treatments for patients with psychiatric disorders, including treatment for depression. For more information on our treatment plans or to know our best depression treatment center near you, call our 24/7 helpline number or chat online with one of our admission specialists.