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Understanding PTSD and Dissociation in Wartime: Direct and Indirect Trauma Exposure
Dori Rubinstein1,2, Mooli Lahad1,3, Limor Aharonson-Daniel4,5
1Department of Research and Clinical Development, Community Stress Prevention Center, Kiryat Shmona, Israel.
Summary
Wartime trauma significantly impacts mental health, with high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociation. Even indirect exposure to conflict causes PTSD symptoms, highlighting the need for broader mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Wartime poses significant mental health risks.
- Potentially traumatic events (PTEs) can lead to severe psychological distress.
- Understanding trauma's impact is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and severity of PTSD and dissociative symptoms in adults exposed to the recent Israel-Hamas war.
- To examine the impact of direct and indirect trauma exposure on mental health outcomes.
- To assess the influence of the number of PTEs on symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,511 Israeli adults.
- Data collection occurred during the third month of the Israel-Hamas war.
- Assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative symptoms using standardized measures.
Main Results:
- Elevated rates of clinical PTSD (36.8%) and dissociation (16.3%) were observed.
- 17.8% of individuals not directly exposed to trauma reported clinically significant PTSD symptoms.
- Exposure to three or more PTEs was associated with markedly higher PTSD and dissociative symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Current diagnostic criteria (DSM-5 Criterion A) may be insufficient in ongoing conflict zones due to significant indirect trauma.
- The cumulative burden of repeated PTEs exacerbates mental health issues.
- Mental health policies and clinical practice must address both direct and indirect trauma exposure and the number of PTEs in developing tailored interventions.
Keywords:
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)dissociationindirect traumaongoing threatwartime traumaMore Related Videos
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