The British journal of clinical psychology / the British Psychological Society
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Comparative Study
Psychological distress amongst immigration detainees: a cross-sectional questionnaire study.
To compare levels of depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst immigration detainees with a comparison group of asylum seekers living within the community. ⋯ Immigration detainees are highly vulnerable to psychological distress. A review of detention policies is recommended in light of this. Immigration detention may have an independent adverse effect on mental health. It is also possible that individuals with mental health problems may be more likely to be detained. Further research is required to investigate this.