Assessing symptom change in Southeast Asian refugee survivors of mass violence and torture
Author(s):
Mollica, Richard F.; Wyshak, Grace; Lavelle, James; Truong, Toan; Tor, Svang; Yang, Ten
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
American Journal Of Psychiatry, Volume 147, Issue 1 (1990-01). pp. 83-88.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Evaluated changes in psychiatric symptoms and levels of perceived distress of 21 Cambodian, 13 Hmong Laotian, and 18 Vietnamese patients, some with major affective disorder and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), before and after a 6-mo treatment period. Symptom change was measured with the Indochinese versions of the SCL-25 (R. F. Mollica et al; see record 1987-27017-001). Most Ss improved significantly. Cambodians had the greatest and Hmong Laotians had the least reductions in depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were more responsive to treatment than were anxiety and somatic symptoms. Data indicate that refugee survivors of multiple traumata and torture can be aided by psychiatric care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)