The United States is accepting the largest number of displaced persons
since World War II. Over 70% are Southeast Asians; many have suffered
serious war trauma and torture. Cultural differences in health-seeking
behavior and lack of specialized mental health services make the
recognition of psychiatric distress in Southeast Asia refugees difficult
for American health care providers. The authors describe the development
and validation of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese versions of the
Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. This brief, simple, and reliable instrument
is well received by refugee patients, offers an effective screening method
for the psychiatric symptoms of anxiety and depression, and is especially
helpful for evaluating trauma victims.Abstract Teaser