Clinical features of neurotic disorders in internally displaced persons

Abstract

Introduction

According to the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, internally displaced persons are persons who have been forced or obliged to leave their homes, in particular as a result of extreme situations, and who have not crossed an state border. As of May 21, 2015 UNHCR has information about 1,299,800 IDPs.

Aim

To study clinical features of neurotic disorders in IDPs.

Methods

We have a complex psychopathological and psychodiagnostic research 97 IDPs in volunteer center, located at the central train station in Kharkiv.

Results

In total, 75.9% of IDPs observed have violations of adaptation: long-term depressive reaction (F 43.21) and predominant disturbance of other emotions (F 43.23). The men reactive alarm indicators (average – 37.7 ± 3.0), were higher than trait anxiety (average – 32.6 ± 2.9). On the contrary, women figures trait anxiety (average – 38.6 ± 2.9) were higher than reactive anxiety (average – 34.7 ± 3.0). Severity of depressive symptoms also slightly prevailed in women. The mean score on the Hamilton scale for men was 17.0 ± 2.3 points, women – 18.0 ± 2.3 points. Test results on a scale of quality of life showed no significant differences between men and women. We have developed a medical and psychological support system to correct the neurotic disorders in IDPs.

Conclusions

The majority of people who left the ATO zone have emotional disorders of different severity and require a further correction in the specialized medical institutions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.