Usage of psychiatric emergency services by asylum seekers: Clinical implications based on a
descriptive study in Denmark
Sammanfattning
Background: Asylum seekers are found to be at high risk of mental health problems. Little is
known about the use of acute psychiatric emergency services by asylum seekers. Aim: To describe
the usage of an inpatient/outpatient psychiatric emergency service in Denmark by adult asylum
seekers, and discuss clinical implications. Method: This descriptive study is based on retrospective
data collected from patient charts during a 3-month period. Results: A total of 31 evaluations were
made (3.3% of all evaluations), based on 23 asylum seekers. Patients originated from 16 different
countries, were predominantly male and married. The group consisted primarily (61%) of failed
asylum seekers. Most patients (81%) presented with relevant mental health problems. The main
reasons for presenting to the acute psychiatric emergency service were suicidal ideation and/or
behaviour (60%). The most frequent diagnosis given at the initial evaluation was ICD-10 F43.9
"reaction to severe stress, unspecified" (50%). Evaluations were made primarily by non-
psychiatrists. No standardized screening or diagnostic instrument was used. Conclusion: This first
description of the use of an acute psychiatric emergency service by asylum seekers in Denmark
shows some of the acute mental health needs asylum seekers present with. The findings of high
levels of suicidal ideation and possible diagnostic difficulties are discussed, as well as possible
improvements of the referral and psychiatric evaluation processes.