Building evidence-based treatments for refugee populations: Results and pitfalls from the field

Abstract

Numbers of refugees are growing worldwide, many of whom suffer from mental health problems. The need for evidence-based treatment for this population is urgent. However classical designs and guidelines for building evidence-based treatment do not fit this population. Well-known challenges are cultural and language barriers and high drop-out rates due to uncertain living conditions. As a result treatment studies are scarce, and its participants do not necessarily represent the population as a whole (i.e. selection bias). Challenges in designing and carrying out refugee treatment studies are rarely represented in the scientific literature. In the current symposium, we will present findings from several European refugee treatment studies and discuss the many pitfalls and compromises it takes to carry out such studies. Considering these refugee treatment studies, put forward realistic recommendations for future studies. A general introduction beforehand and a discussion afterwards will be part of the symposium.