Observation and identification of risk factors in mental health in unaccompanied foreign minors: a study on trauma-related symptomatology

Objective: This study aimed to explore the symptoms and risk signals related to the presence of traumatic experiences within a group of unaccompanied foreign minors living in socio-educational communities in the Milan area. The instrument used for this purpose was the Griglia di Osservazione dei Segnali di Rischio (Risk Sign Observation Grid), created through a shared and inter-professional method involving members of Migranti clinicians team of the Servizio di Neuropsichiatria Infantile e dell'Adolescenza dell'Ospedale Maggiore Ca' Granda Policlinico di Milano, the Emergency Response Office of the Municipality of Milan, the local socioeducational communities and some other agencies. Results: The results showed significant correlations between the presence of traumatic experiences in the personal history and the migration process, and the presence of psychopathological risks, mainly referring to behaviors (such as conflictual relations, hypervigilance and control, sleep disorders) and adapting to the new environment. Conclusions: The study confirms and highlights the presence of significant vulnerability and fragility in unaccompanied foreign minors who have experienced traumatic experiences in their history and during the migratory travel.