Mental health and drug and alcohol comorbidity in young people of refugee background: a review of the literature

Abstract

This review describes the existing knowledge concerning mental health (MH) and drug and alcohol problems in young people of refugee background. We explore the extent to which comorbid MH and alcohol and other drug (AOD) conditions (comorbidity) are likely to be experienced by young people of refugee background and investigate what is known about engaging and supporting young refugees with comorbidity in health services. Much of the literature suggests that young refugees are at a high risk of developing MH and AOD disorders. While it has been established that significant barriers to service engagement and service provision exist for young people of refugee background with one disorder, we suggest the risk may be higher for those experiencing comorbidity as they not only face cultural and linguistic barriers but are also often required to effectively navigate two different service sectors. Directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• refugee
• youth
• mental health
• substance use
• comorbidity