The psychological impact of wars and disasters is profound and wide-ranging, affecting both individuals and communities. The most prominent psychological problems arising in these contexts include:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is one of the most common mental health issues in the aftermath of wars and disasters. Individuals exposed to life-threatening events often experience flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. Studies show that 30-40% of individuals exposed to extreme trauma in conflict zones develop PTSD (Santiago et al., 2013).

2. Depression

Wars and disasters often lead to feelings of hopelessness, loss, and grief, contributing to major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression can manifest as persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and feelings of worthlessness. Both war survivors and disaster victims are at heightened risk of depression, particularly if they have experienced personal loss or injury (Murthy & Lakshminarayana, 2006).

3. Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and social anxiety can arise from the instability and uncertainty of war and disaster settings. The constant threat to safety leads to excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, and irritability, which can persist even after the immediate danger has passed (Neria et al., 2011).

4. Adjustment Disorders

After disasters, many individuals face challenges adapting to new environments, loss of homes, or separation from loved ones. This leads to adjustment disorders characterized by difficulty coping with changes, emotional distress, and disrupted functioning in daily life (Bryant et al., 2017).

5. Substance Abuse

The psychological burden of war and disaster can drive individuals toward substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Increased alcohol and drug use often serves as a temporary escape from psychological pain but can lead to long-term health issues and further exacerbate mental health problems (Gupta et al., 2019).

6. Psychosomatic Disorders

In the context of wars and disasters, psychosomatic symptoms like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic pain often arise due to the body’s reaction to prolonged psychological stress. These physical symptoms are often not linked to medical conditions but are a manifestation of underlying emotional distress (Katon et al., 2007).

References:

• Santiago, P. N., et al. (2013). A systematic review of PTSD prevalence in disaster survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(5), 573-582.
• Murthy, R. S., & Lakshminarayana, R. (2006). Mental health consequences of war: A brief review of research findings. World Psychiatry, 5(1), 25-30.
• Neria, Y., et al. (2011). Mental health and disasters. Cambridge University Press.
• Bryant, R. A., et al. (2017). Acute and chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: A network approach. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 78(7), 887-893.
• Gupta, H., et al. (2019). Substance abuse in post-conflict zones: A review. Addiction Research & Theory, 27(5), 384-392.
• Katon, W., et al. (2007). Psychosomatic medicine and primary care: An integrative approach. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(3), 1051-1058.

Thank you .. Akshunna Keerti

António José Rodrigues Rebelo

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