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Erschienen in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 4/2013

01.04.2013 | Brief Report

Pervasive refusal syndrome among inpatient asylum-seeking children and adolescents: a follow-up study

verfasst von: Carl-Magnus Forslund, Björn Axel Johansson

Erschienen in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Ausgabe 4/2013

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Abstract

Background

Pervasive refusal syndrome (PRS) is a rare but severe condition, characterised by social withdrawal and a pervasive active refusal in terms of eating, mobilisation, speech and personal hygiene. PRS has been proposed as a new diagnostic entity in child and adolescent psychiatry, although the diagnostic criteria are debated. In the past 10 years there has been an increase in PRS symptoms among asylum-seeking children and adolescents in Sweden. Here, we describe five cases of PRS among asylum-seeking children and adolescents.

Method

Three females and 2 males, 7–17 years of age with the clinical picture of PRS, treated as inpatients at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Malmö, Sweden, 2002–2010, were analysed on the basis of their medical records. Subjects were diagnosed using previously suggested criteria for PRS. At follow-up, a semi-structured interview focusing on the inpatient stay and current status was performed. The subjects were assessed with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and self-rating questionnaires regarding depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Results

The pattern of refusal varied among the five subjects. All subjects originated from former Soviet republics, indicating a possible cultural factor. Mean period of inpatient treatment was 5 months. All subjects received intense nursing and were treated with nasogastric tube feeding. Parents were involved and were given support and instructions. All subjects gradually improved after receiving permanent residency permits. Depression and PTSD were co-morbid states. At follow-up, 1–8 years after discharge, all subjects were recovered.

Conclusion

Although a severe condition, our five cases suggest a good prognosis for PRS among asylum-seeking children and adolescents.
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Metadaten
Titel
Pervasive refusal syndrome among inpatient asylum-seeking children and adolescents: a follow-up study
verfasst von
Carl-Magnus Forslund
Björn Axel Johansson
Publikationsdatum
01.04.2013
Verlag
Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Ausgabe 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Elektronische ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-012-0341-2

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