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27 January 2010
Mental health of detained asylum seekers an ongoing concern
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists today supported comments by
Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry that immigration detention centres contribute to
mental health problems amongst asylum seekers.
Professor Louise Newman, President of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of
Psychiatrists and a psychiatrist involved in treating asylum seekers, said, "there is clear research
evidence that detaining vulnerable groups, who have experienced torture, trauma and loss in remote
facilities is a recipe for serious mental health problems. Remote facilities such as Christmas Island
are particularly concerning”.
Previous research has found high rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and mental
disorder in asylum seekers, including detained children. Professor Newman noted that the rates of
mental health problems are linked to time spent in detention. "It is very worrying that processing
claims are increasing on Christmas Island and that individuals and families who have experienced
trauma are being kept there for longer”.
“The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists supports the movement of all
traumatised asylum seekers to the mainland where they can have access to appropriate mental
health services,” said Professor Newman.
"There are currently no visiting psychiatrists on Christmas Island despite recommendations made to
the Department of Immigration and Citizenship by its own advisory group,” said Professor Newman.
"It is time for the Government to take the mental health issues of asylum seekers seriously and avoid
a repeat of the situation we have seen in the past,” said Professor Newman.
For further information:
Professor Louise Newman
Telephone: 0418 453 447
About The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the principal organisation
representing the medical specialty of psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand and has responsibility for
training, examining and awarding the qualification of Fellowship of the College to medical practitioners.
Media Release
NEWS 
