Psychopathological features of mental disorders in IDPs

Abstract

Objectives

Violation of mental health is common in forced migrants. Lack of positive motivation to move and physical impossibility of further stay at home, mental trauma caused by the history and causes of migration; difficulties in adapting to new location determine the formation of specific experience IDPs. The most common are psychogenic depression, anxiety and somatoform disorders.

Methods

We had observed 60 IDPs aged 18 to 80 years: medical history, current complaints and mental state.

Results

We allocated 3 groups: persons of retirement age with severe chronic physical illness or disability on physical illness (1 group); persons with disabilities to mental disease (group 2) and persons without chronic diseases or disability (relatively healthy, caring for the sick) (group 3). Group 1 patients have anxiety (51.4%) and depression (42.8%) syndromes; 25.7% of subjects showed suicidal thoughts and intentions; 25.7% have some PTSD symptoms, including avoidance, overexcited, emotional numbness, pointing to adjustment disorder. In group 2 patients, changes were not found in mental state. Despite traumatic events delusional story does not change, recurrence and relapse rating was stable. In some cases, patients begin to abuse alcohol. In 3 group 31.3% persons experienced depression, 25%-anxiety symptoms, combined with a severe somatic symptoms; 12.5% showed suicidal thoughts; in 18.7% were diagnosed adjustment disorders. So among IDPs the individuals with severe medical conditions are most vulnerable population in the formation of stress-related and neurotic disorders.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.