Psychological testing as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the treatment of traumatized Latin American and African refugees.

The use of psychological assessment, an underutilized tool, in connection with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is presented. Identification of PTSD in refugees from Latin America and Africa is usually difficult because it is compounded by the trauma of migration. Issues regarding diagnosis and treatment are discussed, and case examples are provided to illustrate specific clinical concerns. Disclosure of historical information to the clinician and validation of a history of trauma are addressed through the testing process and projective data patterns.