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Psychiatric Aspects of Terrorist Violence: Northern Ireland 1969–1987

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Peter S. Curran
Peter S. Curran*
Affiliation:
Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Crumlin Road, Belfast BT14 6AB, Northern Ireland
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Abstract

For 18 years, Northern Ireland has suffered a changing pattern of civil disorder. Early years were marked by widespread sectarian rioting, shootings, and bombings, which heightened community tension and caused much social and commercial disruption. However, in recent years, terrorist organisations have been more selective in their acts of violence. There are methodological difficulties in assessing the psychological impact of civil disorder and terrorism. But, as well as can be judged from community surveys, hospital admissions and referral data, psychotropic drug usage, suicide and attempted suicide rates, and from assessment of the actual victims of violence, society has not ‘broken down’ nor has the impact been judged considerable. Possible explanations are discussed.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 153 , Issue 4 , October 1988 , pp. 470 - 475
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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