Citation

Bramsen I, Deeg DJ, van der Ploeg E, Fransman S. J. Affect. Disord. 2007; 103(1-3): 121-129.

Affiliation

Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. i.bramsen@tiscali.nl

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jad.2007.01.014

PMID

17291593

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pathways through which wartime stress leads to excess mortality have not been examined so far. The current study examines wartime stress in relation to late-life mortality among 1448 World War II survivors, and potential mediating effects of mental health symptoms that were assessed in 1992. METHODS: In 1992, a community survey was held. In 2002, vital status was checked. RESULTS: The highest hazard rates of mortality were found among military veterans and war survivors who had been seriously wounded. Posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, and, particularly, depression were associated with a higher hazard rate. Depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints appeared to act as mediators between the wartime stressor 'permanent disability or illness' and survival time. LIMITATIONS: The results may not be generalizable to all World War II survivors since the sample was restricted to those who survived until 1992. In addition, there was a considerable level of non-response, and the study used self-report data on wartime exposure and psychological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to wartime stress as well as mental health symptoms in the long-term aftermath of war and violence are significant predictors of late-life mortality. Wounded survivors and those with a permanent disability or illness are particularly vulnerable.

Language: en