Can disability predict treatment outcome among traumatized refugees?

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of disability on changes in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among treatment-seeking traumatized refugees. Eighty-one refugees participated in different rehabilitation programs. PTSD symptomatology was assessed by the HTQ-IV and symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed by the HSCL-25. Disability was assessed by the WHODAS 2.0 before treatment. Following treatment, no statistically significant changes in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptom scores were observed. Disability in the domain 'getting along' was a significant predictor of PTSD scores following treatment, when controlling for baseline scores. Neither total disability nor individual disability domains predicted any other symptom changes. Living with one's partner did, however, seem to be a consistent and significant predictor of treatment outcome. The results are discussed in terms of clinical implications and future research needs.