Mental health needs among Cambodian refugees in Utah

A total of 124 Cambodian refugees in Utah were interviewed about their ment al health and demographic characteristics. Results indicate that 51 percent met the DSM-III-R criteria for major depression and 45 percent for a diagn osis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Findings of other mental hea lth diagnoses were less frequent. It was also found that in spite of high r ates of psychopathology, utilization of health and mental health services w as limited. A number of barriers prevented easy access to such services, pa rticularly for those with PTSD.