THE SYRIAN REFUGEES’ NEED FOR TRAUMA-BASED SERVICES, A SURVEY OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Background: Trauma Aid UK (previously HAP UK &Ireland) conducted three EMDR trainings in Turkey: the first was in Istanbul on 28th November 2013. Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the needs of the Syrian Refugees for trauma services training and provision as assesses by mental health professionals who work with them. Subjects and methods: Amongst the 62 participants of two Istanbul EMDR trainings organised by HAP, 53% were Syrian. We felt it is a unique opportunity to assess the needs of Syrian refugees they are working with. We asked all the participants who are all mental health professionals to complete an Arabic translation of \u27The Need for Trauma-based Services Questionnaire\u27 in these trainings. The rest of the participants on the course were from Iraq (18%), Jordan (16%), Egypt (7%) and others from Palestine, Sudan & Libya (6%). All participants completed questionnaires. Results: The results of comparing the needs reported by Syrian mental health professionals showed higher prevalence of PTSD seen by the Syrian mental health professionals (72% compared with 56% in the clients seen by the rest of participants). Also, the Syrian mental health professionals could only meet 34% (SD=17.1) of the needs of their client who suffer from PTSD. The unmet need for trauma therapy was reported as 100% by these professionals. Conclusions: This study highlighted the high need for trauma mental health services of the Syrian refugees as reported by mental health professionals working in the neighbouring countries. The needs of the Syrian refugees, arriving to the UK because of the very difficult situations, these refugees are coming from, may be met with EMDR therapy. EMDR can be used to help these refugees to be a productive part of the British society