[The Influence of Residence Status on Psychiatric Symptom Load of Asylum Seekers in Germany].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess asylum seekers' views on their legal situations, asylum procedures and living conditions, and the relationship of these factors towards psychological stress.

METHODS: 650 asylum seekers in Berlin received a questionnaire.

RESULTS: 76,3 % (N = 496) completed the questionnaires in full. According to psychological test criteria, 74,6 % (N = 370) of these respondents indicated symptoms of mental disorders. There were significant correlations between insecure residency status and these symptoms. Respondents with higher symptom load took less advantage of support, participated less in measures designed to assist integration, and described more difficulties in their hearing. Only 11.6 % out of the asylum seekers with mental Illness indicating symptoms in our sample were under psychiatric treatment.

CONCLUSION: Our data emphazise the high relevance of mental health burden among refugees.