scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a national-wide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Study Results ◽  
High Distress ◽  
Negative Feelings

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war over the past seven years, leaving a high percentage of the population below the poverty line. This has significantly impacted Syrians which is reflected in the psychiatric aspect. This study evaluates the severity of the mental disorder caused by war and other factors, and evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in addition to support provided to Syrians. Methods: Online surveys including the Kessler 10 (K10) survey, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and demographic and war-related questions were used for this study. Results: Our study included 1951 participants, comprising 527 (27.0%) males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Of all the participants in the study, 44% had severe mental disorder, 27% had severe mental disorder with full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, 79% had at least one PTSD symptom, and 10.8% had neither PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder. Only 23.2% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced and 27.6% of these participants were forced to move three times or more due to war. Only 13.4% of the responders did not believe that the crisis was the reason for their distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off of work or school due to negative feelings and have somatic symptoms. Moreover, low levels of education, low socioeconomic status, chronic medical conditions, war variables for example distress caused by war noises, changing place of living due to war were all associated with high distress and the presence of PTSD symptoms in this study. Strong significant correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and k10 score. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the country’s population at great risk of psychological and mental distress. Drastic measures are required to save an entire population from permanent psychological suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors. Results Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion The conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S261-S261
Author(s):  
Sami Jomaa ◽  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

AimsSyria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors.ResultOur study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores.ConclusionThe conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires.Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in governorates and type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires.Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in governorates and type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽  
Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽  
Leen Makki ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Severe Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compare the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different provinces. Online surveys on multiple online groups included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires. Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had severe mental disorder, 27% had both severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change place of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence was noted between provinces or type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

scholarly journals GEROFIT: IMPACT ON PTSD SYMPTOMS AMONG PARTICIPATING VETERANS WITH SELF-REPORTED PTSD

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S34-S34
Author(s):  
Cathy Lee ◽  
Rebecca Melrose ◽  
Erin Blanchard ◽  
Stacy Wilkins ◽  
Steven Castle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Negative Feelings

Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases risk of medical comorbidities in aging. The Gerofit Program is an exercise program for older Veterans that shows efficacy for physical health. We sought to determine its impact on PTSD. Veterans in Gerofit completed a self-report questionnaire at 3 and 6 months assessing effect of Gerofit on: PTSD symptoms generally, disturbing dreams, avoidance, negative feelings, and irritability. Two hundred twenty-nine Veterans completed the questionnaire. Of these, 56 (24.5%) reported PTSD. None reported worsened PTSD following Gerofit participation. At 3 months, >50% of Veterans reported symptom improvement and this was maintained over 6 months for all items (p>0.05 paired t-test). There was an increase between 3 and 6 months in the percentage who reported “improved a lot” for overall symptoms (16.7% to 22.2%), negative feelings (5.6% to 11.1%) and irritability (0% to 11.1%). Gerofit may offer an effective intervention to improve PTSD symptoms in older Veterans.

scholarly journals Evaluation of secondary post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the spouses of chemical warfare victims 20 years after the Iran–Iraq war

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 168-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khodabakhsh Ahmadi ◽  
Mahmood Reshadatjoo ◽  
GholamReza Karami ◽  
Nariman Sepehrvand ◽  
Pegah Ahmadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Chemical Warfare ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Post Traumatic

Aims and methodPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been reported in 90% of chemical warfare victims in previous studies. An individual's traumatic experience(s) may affect the lives of other family members as well. This cross-sectional case–control study compared the prevalence of PTSD symptoms in the husbands, the secondary PTSD symptoms in the wives and also aimed to identify if there was an association between the PTSD symptoms of the couples in the case group. Cases were 150 husband–wife couples where husbands were civilians exposed to chemical warfare; the controls were 156 husband–wife couples where there was no such exposure. Both cases and controls were recruited from Sardasht in Iran; this Kurdish city was attacked by four 250 kg sulphur mustard warheads in June 1987.ResultsAcross three sets of cut-off points for the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD symptomotology (<120 and ⩾121; <106 and ⩾107; and <65, 65–130 and > 130) wives in the case group demonstrated higher rates of PTSD symptoms than did those in the control group; the difference was statistically significant. Furthermore, husbands in the case group had a significantly higher overall mean score (123.0 (s.d. = 17.2)) than the husbands in the control group (112.3 (s.d. = 21.7); P<0.001, t = 4.80). There was no statistically significant association between the overall PTSD score of the husbands in the case group with that of their wives (P = 0.274, correlation coefficient 0.092).Clinical implicationsHusbands who were exposed to the chemical agents reported higher PTSD symptoms and there were higher rates of PTSD symptoms among the wives of individuals who were exposed to chemical warfare. Study results suggest the need for coordinated treatments, policy efforts and interventions to improve the wellbeing of chemical warfare victims and their caregiver wives.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Life Satisfaction and Work Personality: Exploring the Relationship with Disability

2003 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanrnarie Keirn ◽  
L. Alvin Malesky ◽  
David R. Strauser
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Entire Group ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Women With Disabilities ◽  
Post Traumatic

This research focused on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its relationship to life satisfaction and developmental work personality. The participants were women of low socioeconomic status and consisted of three groups: women not seeking employment; women pursuing their CED prior to seeking employment; and women with disabilities in readiness to work programs. Significant correlations exist between both the Developmental Work Personality Scale (DWPS) and the Life Satisfaction Scale, and PTSD symptoms for the entire group. Separate analyses for each group indicated significant correlations for the women with disabilities between levels of PTSD symptoms, developmental work personality, and life satisfaction.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Coping Strategies: A Case Study of a Family of a War Stricken Soldier

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 88-98
Author(s):  
Gamal Abdulhamed Gado
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Thematic Apperception Test ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Thematic Apperception ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
And Coping

The current study aimed to knowing the level of PTSD among a family of a War Stricken Soldier (the wife and eldest daughter), and knowing the clinical indications for PTSD symptoms to the cases, also it aimed to search about the coping strategies which the wife and the eldest adopted and study the effect of these coping strategies on relieving PTSD symptoms, and it aimed to knowing the dynamic motivations for the cases responses on the TAT cards, that underlie the emergence of PTSD symptoms and the adoption of specific coping strategies. Several tools were used, Semi Structured interview, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Davidson Scale for Post-Traumatic Stress, Post-Traumatic Coping Strategies Scale. The study results indicated to the existence of mild level on PTSD to the wife, and moderate level to the daughter, Problem-solving strategies have emerged as the wife's strongest coping strategies, and avoidance strategies have emerged as the daughter's strongest coping strategies. The responses of the two cases on TAT and the analysis of their latent dynamic motivations are discussed.

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