Psychopathology and long-term adjustment after crises in refugees from East Germany.

OBJECTIVE

In this study we examined psychopathology, diagnoses, social adjustment and the course of symptoms over two and a half years in East German refugees who suffered a crisis immediately after migrating to West Berlin just prior to or shortly after the breaching of the Wall in autumn 1989.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty two refugees seeking crisis intervention in a psychiatric outpatient unit after arrival were investigated. Six months later 59% and two and a half years after migration 30% of the patients were re-examined.

RESULTS

The patients had been exposed to prolonged stress situations in East Germany and were suffering from anxious-depressive syndrome with vegetative complaints. Sixty patients required more than one crisis intervention during the first six months after resettlement. During the follow-up period symptoms decreased significantly. At the second follow-up interview 81% of the patients had a satisfactory job, and 89% acceptable accommodation.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfactory classification of the psychiatric disorders induced in East German refugees by prolonged stress was not possible according to the DSM-III-R criteria. Initial crises are not necessarily associated with poor long-term adjustment after migration.