BACKGROUND: Asylum seekers are found to be at high risk of mental health problems. Little is known about the use of acute psychiatric emergency services by asylum seekers.

AIM: To describe the usage of an inpatient/outpatient psychiatric emergency service in Denmark by adult asylum seekers, and discuss clinical implications.

METHOD: This descriptive study is based on retrospective data collected from patient charts during a 3-month period.

RESULTS: A total of 31 evaluations were made (3.3% of all evaluations), based on 23 asylum seekers. Patients originated from 16 different countries, were predominantly male and married. The group consisted primarily (61%) of failed asylum seekers. Most patients (81%) presented with relevant mental health problems. The main reasons for presenting to the acute psychiatric emergency service were suicidal ideation and/or behaviour (60%). The most frequent diagnosis given at the initial evaluation was ICD-10 F43.9 "reaction to severe stress, unspecified" (50%). Evaluations were made primarily by non-psychiatrists. No standardized screening or diagnostic instrument was used.

CONCLUSION: This first description of the use of an acute psychiatric emergency service by asylum seekers in Denmark shows some of the acute mental health needs asylum seekers present with. The findings of high levels of suicidal ideation and possible diagnostic difficulties are discussed, as well as possible improvements of the referral and psychiatric evaluation processes.