A study signed by Public Health France and the Committee for the Health of Exiles ((Eat) underline that 30% of young people consulted suffer from psychiatric pathologies, a figure much higher than that of the general population of the same age. She recalls the urgency of improving not only their access to medico-psychological care, but also their material reception conditions to promote their reconstruction. (access to the law, to dignified accommodation and reestablishment of social ties).
This study carried out by Public Health France and Comede between 2015 and 2025 highlights the psychological fragility of young exiles aged 0 to 25 welcomed in France. Of the 5,000 young people monitored, the main observation is that of a massive prevalence of psychological disorders: around 30% of young people consulted suffer from psychiatric pathologies, a figure much higher than that of the general population of the same age. Post-traumatic stress syndromes dominate the clinical picture, often accompanied by sleep disturbances, severe anxiety and depression. These symptoms are not isolated reactions, but the result of “shattered life trajectories” where violence is omnipresent.
“Multivulnerability”
The analysis also highlights that the mental health of this population is intrinsically linked to their social vulnerability. Indeed, a large proportion of these young exiles face unstable accommodation, food insecurity and significant relational isolation. Data show that the risk of developing a psychological disorder is significantly higher among young people in situations of social distress or who have suffered physical and psychological violence.
The report particularly highlights the concept of “multivulnerability”. The trauma does not stop at the border, but continues and is accentuated by the living conditions in France. The absence of stable housing, the language barrier, administrative difficulties in obtaining a residence permit and uncertainty about the future act as chronic stress factors which prevent any resilience. The study demonstrates a direct statistical link: the more the social situation is degraded (food insecurity, lack of health coverage), the more the severity of psychological disorders increases.
The importance of securing the environment for these young people
The study concludes on the urgent need to improve not only access to medico-psychological care, but also material reception conditions to promote the reconstruction of these young people. Finally, one of the crucial points concerns support. Care cannot be solely medical. For these young exiles, the ” healing “ or psychological stabilization depends closely on securing their overall environment. Access to the law, dignified accommodation and the reestablishment of social ties are considered therapeutic levers as essential as psychiatric or psychological monitoring. The study therefore calls for a systemic response, coordinating health and social actors to prevent these young people from falling into lasting exclusion.
To find out more:
Weekly epidemiological bulletin, The mental health of young exiles: social vulnerability and psychological disorders in patients followed at Comede between 2015 and 2025, Author(s): Petit Mathilde, Marseglia Maila, Rey Sylvie, Roux Louise, Veïsse Arnaud2026, n° 11, p. 230-238.
