Psychiatric and Cognitive Effects of War in Former Yugoslavia

Abstract

PTSD and depression in war survivors appear to be independent of sense of injustice arising from perceived lack of redress for trauma. Fear of threat to safety and loss of control over life appeared to be the most important mediating factors in PTSD and depression. These findings may have important implications for reconciliation efforts in postwar countries and effective interventions for traumatized war survivors.

Analysis of trauma exposure, symptomatology and functioning in Jewish Israeli and Palestinian adolescents

“…Many factors may exacerbate the response to TEV. Exposure to violence is significantly related to depression, 40 PTSD, 11 defensive coping, 25 less belief in the benevolence of others, 41 fear of loss, and protection. 42 These factors can play a significant role in therapeutic treatment for war-related trauma.…”

“…Previous research confirms not only religiosity's positive association with several health outcomes, 57 but also that those exposed to political violence may have a greater faith in God. 41 …”

Future-Oriented Thinking and Adjustment in a Nationwide Longitudinal Study Following the September 11th Terrorist Attacks

“…Fear of future threat and loss of control have been found to be strong predictors of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptomatology among survivors of the war in the former Yugoslavia (Başoğlu et al, 2005). Palestinian youths also report a more pessimistic and limited view of the future that is associated with higher rates of PTSD when compared to Israeli-Palestinians (Lavi & Solomon, 2005;cf.…”

Cultural logics of emotion: Implications for understanding torture and its sequelae

“…Hence, when psychological treatment improves individual functioning, relationships with others may also improve. But the causal process works the other way as well: forms of political violence directed to families and communities that disrupt trust and social bonds, increase the risk of trauma-related disorders among everyone and may be stronger predictors of PTSD among torture survivors than the torture experience itself (Başoğlu et al, 2005). This has wider ramifications for families and communities.…”