Post traumatic stress disorder, Depression, and Post-migration stress behavioral pattern among Arabic immigrants and refugee populations: a review.
The global refugee crisis has led to a significant influx of Arabic-speaking immigrants and refugees (ASIR) into Europe and North America, particularly from conflict-affected regions such as Syria. This review examines the prevalence and determinants of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and post-migration stress behavioural patterns among Arabic immigrant and refugee populations. Drawing on existing literature and data from countries such as Hungary, Germany, and Sweden, this paper highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by these populations. Key findings indicate high prevalence rates of PTSD (ranging from 11.4% to 83.4%) and depression (ranging from 14.5% to 60%), influenced by pre-migration trauma, post-migration living difficulties, and sociodemographic factors such as gender and age. Post-migration stressors, including language barriers, social isolation, discrimination, and uncertain legal status, are identified as critical contributors to mental health outcomes. The review underscores the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions and policies that address both pre- and post-migration stressors to improve the well-being of Arabic immigrant and refugee populations. (Neuropsychopharmacol Hung 2026; 28(1): 37-46) Keywords: arab, immigrants, refugees, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, post-migration stress, mental health, cultural adaptation, resilience.
Authors
- Katalin Csigó (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0317-7095)
- Mania Mekhail
Institutions
- University of Debrecen (HU)
- Pázmány Péter Catholic University (HU)
- Central Military Hospital (NL)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PubMed
- Published
- 2026-03-01
- Primary Topic
- Migration, Health and Trauma
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00