Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Unaccompanied Refugee Minors: A Narrative Literature Review

Introduction: In recent time, terror, war or community conflict commonly occur and children as a vulnerable population are not immune to the effect of trauma and violence. Unaccompanied refugee minors (URM) seem to be likely more vulnerable and to have been victim to four or more traumatic events than children with families. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent psychological disturbances among individuals exposed to traumatic events. This study aims to review the management of PTSD among children who have mental health issues related to migration to other countries without parents, adult relatives or proxy. Methods: The present study was conducted by searching and identifying appropriate sources related to therapy for PTSD among unaccompanied refugee minors through four journal databases including DOAJ, Google Scholar, Proquest, and Science Direct. Result: Some studies have shown the effectiveness of cyber-therapy especially virtual reality to manage PTSD symptoms, however, the majority of participants in these studies are military and veterans. Conclusion: Further studies and evidence focus on the role of cyber-therapy so that virtual reality in managing PTSD symptoms among unaccompanied refugee minors is highly needed.

Keywords:

Cybertherapy , Mental Health , Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder , Unaccompanied Refugee Minors , Virtual Reality