Symptom change over time among hmong refugees: Psychiatric patients versus nonpatients

Most Hmong refugees in Minnesota were assessed in September, 1977, using two self-rating scales (Zung Scale for Depression and 90-item Symptom Checklist). The same group was restudicd two years later. During 12 months of 1977-78, psychiatric services were offered to this population. Those seeking psychiatric care were compared with those who did not. These data indicate that the patients reported considerably more symptoms than nonpatients in 1977 prior to receiving care. The patients showed more improvement than the non-patients between 1977 and 1979.