BURMESE POLITICAL DISSIDENTS IN THAILAND - TRAUMA AND SURVIVAL AMONG YOUNG-ADULTS IN EXILE

Objectives. This study assessed the self-reported mental health, physi cal health, and social functioning of young adult political exiles and relates their psychiatric symptoms to their trauma and survival strat egies. Methods. A 1992/93 survey of Burmese who fled to Bangkok, Thail and, after participating in a 1988 uprising against Burma's government elicited information on employment, education, disability, trauma, su rvival strategies, and depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms. R esults. The 104 participants reported a mean of 30 trauma events, incl uding interrogation (89%), imprisonment (78%), threats of deportation (70%), and torture (38%). Many reported poor health and lack of social supports, but few reported substantial social disability. The prevale nce of elevated symptom scores was 38% for depressive symptoms and 23% for criterion symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Symptoms of avoidance and of increased arousal were the most strongly related to c umulative trauma. Two survival strategies, camaraderie and a Buddhist concept of self-confidence (weria), were associated with somewhat redu ced levels of both classes of symptoms. Conclusions. Burmese political exiles in Thailand are young adults adversely affected by severe trau ma. Their psychosocial well-being may deteriorate further without lega l protections to reduce the continuing stress and violence.