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War Trauma in a Civilian Population

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

D. J. Somasundaram  and
S. Sivayokan
D. J. Somasundaram*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, and General (Teaching) Hospital, Jaffna
S. Sivayokan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
*
Dr D. J. Somasundaram, c/o J. Goodhand, SCF representative, Save the Children Fund (UK), 10 Ward Place, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Abstract

Background

An epidemiological survey was made of war trauma and its consequences in the general population.

Method

One member aged over 15 years from each of 101 randomly selected families in a Primary Health Area in Sri Lanka were interviewed using the Stress Impact Questionnaire.

Results

Nearly one-half had experienced between five and nine war stresses, and one-quarter experienced over 10 (mean 6.66). Only 6% had not experienced any. Sixty-four per cent had developed psychosocial sequelae, including somatisation (41 %), post-traumatic stress disorder (27%), anxiety disorder (26%), major depression (25%), hostility (19%), relationship problems (13%), alcohol and drug misuse (15%) and functional disability (18%).

Conclusion

The trauma experienced correlated strongly with psychosocial and somatic symptoms.

Type
Short Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 4 , October 1994 , pp. 524 - 527
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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