Refugee syndrome is not a disease, but rather a set of symptoms experienced by people who have fled their country due to certain circumstances. It includes persistent anxiety, mood swings, depressive episodes, and difficulty planning for the future. Similar to immigration trauma, refugee syndrome can be deepened by political or ethnic persecution, which increases its psychological impact. The migrant experience often goes through four stages.

First, there is the "honeymoon period" - a period of excitement and novelty in a new country, followed by disillusionment as cultural values may be absent. This is followed by integration when a person learns about his or her new environment, and finally by acceptance.

Refugee syndrome can have a serious traumatic impact, leading to various symptoms such as increased anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, insomnia, sensory disturbances and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Host country aggression can worsen mental health conditions, possibly leading to post-traumatic stress disorder, learned helplessness and clinical depression if left untreated.

The main goal of assistance is to ensure the physical and psychological safety of the migrant, allowing them to make plans for the future and regain interest in life.

It is important to focus on small goals at first, gradually shifting the focus from external circumstances to oneself to facilitate recovery.