[Psychological distress in Ukrainian asylum seekers: An evaluation and need assesment].

Abstract

Since Russia's military invasion in February 2022, approximately 1,1 million Ukrainians have sought refuge in Germany. The displacement of people due to military conflicts and wars is often accompanied by psychopathological distress. After arrival in host countries so post-migration living difficulties can further exacerbate symptoms. Attitudes toward psychotherapy may also vary. ResearchAn assessment of psychological burdens among Ukrainian refugees is necessary to identify specific needs and to provide adequate or adapted interventions.Between July 2022 and July 2024, an online survey was conducted among Ukrainian refugees living in Germany with N=151 participants. The recruitment of participants was coordinated by Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Greifswald. Several standardized instruments were used for the survey, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Scale-2 (GAD-2), the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), and the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Checklist (PMLD), the Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS), and the Social Activity Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS).The results indicate a clinically significant level of anxiety and depressive symptoms (91,5% at least subsyndromal symptoms). A significant correlation was also found between depressive and anxiety symptoms. Both scales were significantly related to self-assessment of social activity and were associated with increased sensitivity to stigma. Furthermore, about 50% of participants exceeded the ITQ threshold for clinical significance.The study suggests elevated depression and anxiety symptoms among Ukrainian refugees, indicating the need for tailored interventions. Concerns about stigmatization should be taken into account. Post-migration stressors should also be addressed, as they may have clinical relevance despite suspended asylum processes. Further longitudinal studies with larger samples and clinical interviews are recommended for a more comprehensive understanding.