Psychiatry Research EG

This article consists of two sections. In the first section, the author presents a comprehensive review which highlights the psychological consequences suffered by populations living in war zones, revealing the worrying prevalence of fear, panic, depressions, behavioral disturbances and PTSD. Especially vulnerable groups include women, children, the disabled and the elderly. Loss and destruction of homes, loss of male heads of households to death or captivity, displacement and exposure to the dangers of sexual abuse and rape, almost always associated with war crimes leaves women, especially mothers at high risk of hopelessness and depression. The level of depressive symptomatology in the mother was found to be the best predictor of her childs reported morbidity. The devastation of families and the breakdown of the home structure deprive the elderly and the handicapped of the family care which usually constitutes their primary resource of support. In the second section of the article the author summarizes the efforts done by the World Psychiatric Association in addressing the consequences of war and collective violence in the different regions of the world. The author suggests a comprehensive professional intervention program involving several world organizations involved in health and education. Also of special importance in that regard is the role of key religious institutions to highlight the peaceful values carried by all religions and to replace the currently dominant messages of conflict and rejection of the other.