WAR AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: MECHANISMS OF ONSET AND APPROACHES TO TREATMENT

Abstract

Purpose: The article aims to illuminate the mechanisms underlying the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among military personnel and civilians in the context of war, as well as the fundamental approaches to its treatment. Materials and Methods. Materials: Scientific and other informational sources. Methods: Bibliosemantic method, including a review of scholarly articles and electronic publications from authoritative online resources, structural-logical analysis, and statistical methods. Results. It has been established that PTSD as a result of trauma experienced in war conditions is rapidly spreading among different segments of the population, and its particularly high level is observed among combatants and civilians who are in constant danger and stress. The main mechanisms of the development of the disorder and its symptoms in adults, children and military personnel have been described. The complexity of PTSD manifestations and the importance of taking into account individual characteristics when collecting data have been emphasized, which allows identifying differences in the experience of military personnel, their personality traits, concomitant diagnoses and psychological characteristics. The importance of developing individual rehabilitation programs for military personnel, taking into account the specifics of their military experience and psychological characteristics, has been emphasized. The main methods of therapy for PTSD are outlined and the importance of a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment has been underlined. Conclusions. PTSD is a complex psychological disorder that complicates adaptation after a trauma. In wartime, the risk of its development requires special attention to the mental health of combatants. Treatment of PTSD should be comprehensive, taking into account an individual approach that increases the effectiveness of rehabilitation and including psychotherapy, pharmacology, and alternative methods. It is important to create a system of psychological support for military personnel and veterans, as well as continue the training of qualified specialists.