War has a catastrophic effect on the health and well being of nations. Studies have shown that conflict situations cause more mortality and disability than any major disease. War destroys communities and families and disrupts the social and economic development of nations.
The effects of war include long-term physical and psychological harm to children and adults, as well as reduction in material and human capital. Among the consequences of war, the impact on the mental health of the civilian population is one of the most significant. Other consequences, besides deaths include endemic poverty, malnutrition, disability, economic/social decline and psychosocial illness, to mention only a few.
Women are more affected than men. Other vulnerable groups are children, the elderly and the disabled.
This paper briefly reviews the evidence from published literature about the impact of war on the mental health of the general population, the refugees, the soldiers and specific vulnerable groups. The review presents data concerning some major wars/conflicts and then briefly outlines the risk factors emerging from the literature.
Prevalence rates are associated with the degree of trauma, and the availability of physical and emotional support. The use of cultural and religious coping strategies is frequent in developing countries.
The effects of war include long-term physical and psychological harm to children and adults, as well as reduction in material and human capital. Among the consequences of war, the impact on the mental health of the civilian population is one of the most significant. Other consequences, besides deaths include endemic poverty, malnutrition, disability, economic/social decline and psychosocial illness, to mention only a few.
Women are more affected than men. Other vulnerable groups are children, the elderly and the disabled.
This paper briefly reviews the evidence from published literature about the impact of war on the mental health of the general population, the refugees, the soldiers and specific vulnerable groups. The review presents data concerning some major wars/conflicts and then briefly outlines the risk factors emerging from the literature.
Prevalence rates are associated with the degree of trauma, and the availability of physical and emotional support. The use of cultural and religious coping strategies is frequent in developing countries.
Mental health and war: brief review (article pdf) (2006)
photo: Emilio Morenatti_______________________________________________________________
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