A newly presented study at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2024 sheds light on the alarming escalation of mental health issues among children and adolescents displaced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Conducted by the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of MoH of Ukraine, the research underscores the profound impact of prolonged exposure to violence and displacement on the mental well-being of young individuals.
In light of UNICEF’s recent report, “The State of the World’s Children 2021,” which identifies the COVID-19 pandemic as a precursor to a looming mental health crisis among youth worldwide, the war in Ukraine emerges as a significant contributor to this distress. Beyond those directly affected in the conflict zones, pervasive media coverage engenders fear and anxiety, exacerbating a concealed mental health crisis among children already grappling with the enduring effects of the pandemic.
The study scrutinized 785 teenagers displaced from war-stricken regions of Ukraine, revealing a stark surge in the prevalence of various mental health conditions over a span of 6 to 12 months post-displacement:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): 9.8% to 21.9%
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): 10.2% to 12.6% Depressive disorders (DD): 22.3% to 33.3%
- Anxiety disorders (AD): 30.8% to 11.5%
- Conduct disorders (CD): 15.4% to 18.0%
Furthermore, the research identifies female gender and secondary traumatization (exposure to subsequent traumatic events post-displacement) as predisposing factors for depression, pervasive developmental disorders, and ADHD. Notably, children with preexisting PTSD exhibit heightened vulnerability to developing other mental health conditions and demonstrate increased sensitivity to subsequent traumatic experiences.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Igor Martsenkovsky, Head of the Department of Mental Disorders of Children and Adolescents at the SI Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, emphasizes the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis among Ukrainian youth. He underscores the necessity for expanded access to mental health services, specialized support for children with PTSD, trauma-informed approaches in education and social services, and sustained assistance for families displaced by the conflict.
Prof. Geert Dom, President of the European Psychiatric Association, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing the well-being of young Ukrainians affected by war and advocating for comprehensive measures to mitigate the enduring impact of conflict on their mental health.
