SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Okasha A. Int. Rev. Psychiatry 2007; 19(3): 193-200.

Affiliation

WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Mental Health Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; President Egyptian Psychiatric Association, Immediate Past President WPA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09540260701349449

PMID

17566897

Abstract

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 child's 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".


Language: en

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print