[ad_1]
Intrusive memories, difficulty sleeping and concentration problems affect four out of ten young newcomers. These are symptoms that characterize post-traumatic stress disorder. Among unaccompanied children in Afghanistan, it was very clear, shows a study by researchers from the University of the Red Cross.
A large proportion of young newcomers report having symptoms that characterize post-traumatic stress disorder. They may, among other things, suffer intrusive memories of the escape. Stock Photography.
In the study, 1,129 young people recently arrived from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan who were sent to Sweden between 2014 and 2018 responded to a questionnaire, in which they were asked to indicate the extent to which they had symptoms of PTSD.
It turned out that nearly four out of ten newcomers reported suffering from symptoms that may indicate a risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Afghanistan’s share of unaccompanied minors was even higher, 56 percent.
– This does not necessarily mean that they have PTSD or are sick, but that they may be at risk. For example, they may have intrusive and involuntary memories and begin to think about things that happened during the escape. Such memories can appear at any time and trigger anxiety reactions, says Ø claim Fjeld-Solberg, a researcher in the RMSR research program at the University of the Red Cross.
The consequence for young people with serious problems is that they may develop avoidance behavior so as not to think about it.
– This shows that there may be a need for support to move forward. For example, it is important to be aware of this at school. They may need additional support, given difficulties concentrating and sleeping, says Ø vivos Fjeld-Solberg.
However, he wants to emphasize that the study is based on what the young people themselves reported, which means that there may be some uncertainty about the results.
– This type of study is not perfect, but it gives an indication of the risks and the need for help that may be in the group. It is important that the school receives information about it, says Ø claim Fjeld-Solberg.
The researchers view the fact that the symptoms persisted for up to five years after the young people arrived in Sweden as particularly concerning, as it raises questions about the current situation of young people in Sweden.
The study is part of a larger study on the health and living conditions of newly arrived children and young people, conducted in collaboration between the National Center for Knowledge on Violence and Traumatic Stress (NKVTS) in Oslo and the RMSR research program from the University of the Red Cross, Resilience, Mental Health and Social Participation among Refugees.
