DSM-III psychiatric disorders among Hmong refugees in the United States: a point prevalence study

Am J Psychiatry. 1988 Feb;145(2):197-202. doi: 10.1176/ajp.145.2.197.

Abstract

The author reports on a survey of 97 Hmong adult refugees in the United States. Thirty of these refugees showed symptoms of chronic maladjustment, and 13 showed another DSM-III axis I disorder; two manifested a paranoid psychosis, and six had a major depression. There were few axis II diagnoses. Medical conditions were frequent and often psychophysiological in nature, but they were not associated with axis I disorders. Axis IV psychosocial stressors were not associated with axis I diagnoses, but subjects with an axis I disorder tended to show lower adaptive levels on axis V. The demographic condition most strongly associated with an axis I diagnosis was current status as a welfare recipient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adjustment Disorders / epidemiology
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Ethnicity*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laos / ethnology
  • Male
  • Manuals as Topic
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Paranoid Disorders / epidemiology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Refugees / psychology*
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Welfare
  • United States