Potential trauma events and the psychological consequences for Yazidi women after ISIS captivity

Abstract

Background: Traumatic war experiences, like the ones the Yazidi had to undergo due to the attack of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) in August 2014, are often followed by psychological consequences such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. A more detailed analysis of such specific survivor groups is needed, to develop and implement appropriate reparation and support measures. Methods: In this study, 194 Yazidi women were examined. PTSD was assessed using the Essen Trauma Inventory (ETI) and depression using Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The potential traumatic event (PTE) and further influential factors were compared between participants with PTSD and those with PTSD and depression, using inferential statistics. Results: Panticipants showed high rates in prevalence and comorbidity for PTSD and depression. Those diagnosed with comorbid PTSD and depression experienced a higher number of PTEs and had been captured more often and for longer compared to those with PTSD. The number of PTEs experienced was then used to predict comorbid PTSD and depression. Conclusion: Further research should consider the specific situation and the cultural expression of the Yazidi.

Longitudinal Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Resettlement Among Yazidi Female Refugees Exposed to Violence

“…A second multiple linear regression was performed to test the hypothesis that posttraumatic changes in faith and in social relationships are associated with a favorable PTSD course, 19 even when age 52,53 and the number of days in captivity are controlled for. 42 The PTSD course over time was defined as the difference of IES-R subscale sum scores at follow-up and baseline (change in IES-R subscale sum scores = IES-R subscale sum score at follow-up − IES-R subscale sum score at baseline above a cutoff of 33, indicating levels of symptoms associated with probable PTSD in previous studies. 48 Statistically significant differences were found between IES-R subscale scores (η 2 = 0.047, P = .009).…”

“…39 , 40 Before resettlement, approximately 98% of the HAP beneficiaries met the criteria for PTSD. 41 , 42 From March 17, 2015, through January 2016, a total of 1000 women and children were flown out of Iraq to Germany. 40 The beneficiaries received secure housing in 19 cities in Baden-Württemberg and financial support.…”

Editorial: Long Term Impact of War, Civil War and Persecution in Civilian Populations

“…There is a wide range of forms and perpetrators of such human rights violations, from obvious ones such as abductions and enslavement of Yezidi women by “non-state actors” such as ISIS/DAESH in Iraq and Syria ( 9 , 10 ), torture and violence against women and other groups in Iran, or actions frequently described as genocidal against minorities as in Maynmar, or in the people's republic of China. This development is also supported by the abuse of the term of “terrorist” by governments against opposition parties, minorities, and human rights defenders to justify what cannot be justified ( 11 ).…”

Development of a Questionnaire to Measure the Perceived Injustice of People Who Have Experienced Violence in War and Conflict Areas: Perceived Injustice Questionnaire (PIQ)

“…Traumatic war experiences are often followed by psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression [ 6 ]. Ten percent of people who had to flee their homeland due to natural disasters or persecution suffer from PTSD.…”

“…Five percent of people who had experienced the same situation suffer from depression [ 7 ]. Rates are higher among survivors of rape, military action, captivity, internment for ethnic or political reasons, or genocide [ 6 ]. Researchers found a prevalence rate for PTSD of 56% for female survivors of the Rwandan genocide [ 8 ] and a prevalence rate for depression of 80% for women affected by sexual violence in former Yugoslavia [ 9 ].…”