Abstract
Introduction
Refugees in Europe face significant psychological burdens resulting from trauma, displacement, and post-migration stressors. This review examines the tools used to assess PTSD and related mental health conditions, highlighting the lack of standardization and the need for culturally sensitive approaches.
Purpose
This systematic review examined psychometric instruments used to assess mental health among adult refugees in Europe, focusing on trauma-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methodology
Peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases (APA PsycInfo, PsycArticles, MEDLINE, among others) following PRISMA guidelines. Forty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction included assessed domains, instruments, and sample characteristics, and methodological quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.
Results
Germany was the most frequent host country, followed by Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. A total of 99 instruments were identified, with the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) most commonly applied. PTSD (n=32), depression (n=30), and anxiety (n=19) were the predominant disorders assessed. Considerable variability in tool selection, limited cultural and linguistic adaptation, and frequent reliance on self-report measures were observed. Instruments addressing post-migration stressors (e.g., RPMS, PMLD) and resilience factors provided broader clinical insights.
Conclusions
No standardized European approach exists for refugee mental health assessment. A multifaceted strategy integrating validated tools, clinician-administered interviews, and culturally adapted measures is recommended. Future research should develop context-sensitive, multidimensional, and potentially digital assessment models to enhance diagnostic accuracy and care accessibility.