PTSD of Cambodian American survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide

This resear addresses views and perceptions Cambodian Americans have about the survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide and the associated psychiatric disorder post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All of the participants in this study have either experienced the Pol Pot regime or knew of someone else that became victims of the genocide in Cambodia. Review of the literature indicates that Cambodians are at high risk for multiple mental illnesses, especially from post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression. With this, through careful examination of the interviews, it was determined that four out of the six (67%) participants stated that they knew of someone that had a mental health disorder or had a family member that suffered from a mental illness. English proficiency was determined to be the common theme for not seeking mental health services.