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Post-traumatic responses to aerial bombing
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Refugee survivors of aerial bombing frequently experienced immediate stress reactions and later developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. However, these responses may represent a normal coping mechanism to severe trauma.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Refugee populations face unique stressors, including exposure to violence and displacement.
- Aerial bombing represents a significant collective trauma with potential for severe psychosocial sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychosocial outcomes in a refugee population following aerial bombing.
- To identify the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological symptoms.
- To explore the adaptive nature of coping mechanisms in response to collective trauma.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 43 refugees over 15 years old was interviewed using a structured questionnaire within two months of exposure to aerial bombing.
- Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition (DSM-III) were used to assess for PTSD.
Main Results:
- 74% experienced immediate, transient stress reactions.
- 44% met DSM-III criteria for PTSD.
- Anxiety, depressive, somatic symptoms, social withdrawal, irritability, interpersonal difficulties, and functional disability were common.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial symptoms, including PTSD, are prevalent in refugees exposed to aerial bombing.
- These responses may also represent a healthy coping mechanism to extreme traumatic experiences.
- The study highlights the importance of considering collective trauma and social support in treatment approaches.
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