Disability Associated With Psychiatric Symptoms Among Torture Survivors in Rural Nepal
Abstract
Our objective was to explore the relationships between psychiatric symptom categories (posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression) and disability among torture survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional study of help-seeking torture survivors in highly affected conflict areas in rural mid-Western Nepal, using rating scales to assess symptomatology and disability. Validated screening instruments for the Nepali setting revealed that a high amount of psychopathology was present. Exploration of the relationships between psychiatric symptomatology and disability showed a central role for PTSD and anxiety complaints, but not for depressive complaints. A recursive model in which PTSD has (a) a direct relationship with disability and (b) an indirect relationship with disability mediated by anxiety and depression best fits the data. Findings are consistent with research on tortured refugees, suggesting the importance of a PTSD-anxiety mechanism. Implications for refugees in Western settings are discussed. Complexity of the mental status of torture survivors indicates multidisciplinary treatment.
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Mental disorders in conflict-affected populations are associated with significant impairment in functioning and productivity.
“Mental disorders in conflict-affected populations have been shown to be associated with significant impairment in functioning and productivity [6–8].”
From Mental health and psychosocial support for South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda: a needs and resource assessment (2016) · cites this paper as [7]
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- Authors
- Tol, W. A., Komproe, I. H., Thapa, S. B., Jordans, M. J. D., Sharma, B., & De Jong, J. T. V. M.
- Affiliations
- HealthNet TPO (NL)
- University of Oslo (NO)
- Corresponding author
- Tol, Wietse A.
- Komproe, Ivan H.
- Jordans, Mark J.D.
- Venue
- Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease
- Published
- 2007-06
- Volume
- 195
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 463-469
- ISSN
- 0022-3018 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2156006315
- Cited by
- 65
- References
- 35
- Citations by year
- 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 5.44
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Migration, Health and Trauma
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Torture, Ethics, and Law
- Keywords
- torture survivors, disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, psychiatric symptoms, refugees, Nepal, conflict zones, multidisciplinary treatment
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Anxiety Disorders, Mental Disorders, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depressive Disorder, Disability Evaluation, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Mobile Health Units, Nepal, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Rural Population, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Torture, Prevalence, Survivors
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