P0247 - Depression as consequence of war actions in Serbia in 1999

Abstract

Aim of study:

Our investigation is an prospective analysis of group of patients treated in Primary Health Care Center "Savski venac", department of neuropsychiatry in Belgrade, Serbia. Thru the time period of 8 years we analyzed reactions connected with exposing to stress events which are consequence of war actions in Serbia in 1999, especially worsening of symptoms of depression until 2007 in patients with no history of mental illness.

Methods:

Research included 100 patients from Belgrade, Serbia, average age group of 50 years and approximate equal number of male and female sex. They are divided in two groups in dependence of level of education. For examination we used: (1) original question mark – questions about reactions which frequently have people exposed to very stressful events, and (2) Hamilton Depressive Scale (HAMD)

Results:

(1) Immediately after war actions in both groups are observed elements of PTSD; (2) in both groups during the time we have occurrence of depression, anxiety, raise of irritability, impulsivity, appearance of aggressiveness, suicidal tendencies, abuse of psychoactive products and alcohol with disorder of interpersonal relationships, disappointment in institutions of state and society ; (3) in 2007 are discovered significant increase of depressive score (HAMD) at 45% of tested patients without significant distinction between groups.

Conclusion:

Stress events as consequence of war 1999 is the reason of appearance and worsening symptoms of depression thru the time period of 8 years.