[Genocide--some medical and psychological aspects].

The Nazi genocide of the Jews was the background for the UN Convention on Genocide in 1949. The number of people murdered according to the definition in the UN Convention in the period 1900-87 has been estimated at 37 million; the real number is probably higher. Genocide is a considerable cause of death, it has severe consequences for survivors, is an irreplaceable loss for surviving relatives and a trauma for the collective identity.

[Mental health among refugees. Connection between symptoms, traumatization and exile].

Traumatization and psychiatric symptoms among 346 refugees admitted to the outpatient unit at the Psychosocial Centre for Refugees from 1992 to 1996 were registered and analysed by means of systematic, clinical interviews. More than 50% reported exposure to physical torture, and more than 50% had also been involved in serious war actions. Most patients had experienced many forms of persecution.