Table 1 Case definition for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in the UNHCR HIS data

Epilepsy/seizures

At least two episodes of seizures not provoked by a cause such as fever, infection, injury or alcohol withdrawal and characterized by loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs, and sometimes with physical injury, incontinence and biting of the tongue.

Alcohol/substance use disorder

Consumption of alcohol or another substance on a daily basis with difficulty controlling consumption. Social relationships, functioning and physical health may deteriorate but use continues.

Mental retardation/intellectual disability

Low intelligence causing problems with functioning. Independent living is rare. In severe cases, a person may have difficulty speaking and understanding others.

Psychotic disorder

Having hallucinations or delusions with disorganized speech or thoughts. People may neglect themselves but may also go through periods of extreme happiness, irritability, talkativeness and recklessness. A person’s behavior is often considered ‘highly bizarre’ by others in the same culture.

Severe emotional disorder

Functioning is significantly impaired for two weeks or more due to 1) overwhelming sadness/apathy; 2) uncontrollable anxiety or fear. Personal relationships, appetite and sleep may be affected. The person may also have suicidal thoughts.

Medically unexplained somatic complaint

Any somatic/physical complaint that does not appear to have an organic cause.

Other psychological complaint (not otherwise specified)

This category covers complaints related to emotions, thoughts or behaviors but does not meet criteria for any of the above categories. Functioning is not impaired or is only moderately impaired. Complaints in this category may be for less severe emotional disorders or normal distress not associated with a disorder.