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Children who got displaced due to the Ukraine war are reportedly suffering mentally.

According to a recent study unveiled at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2024, there's been a significant surge in mental health issues among children and adolescents affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The research, conducted by the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of MoH of Ukraine, showed the profound impact of prolonged exposure to violence and displacement on the psychological well-being of children and teens.

The study, examining 785 teenagers displaced from war-torn regions of Ukraine, found alarming increases in five mental health conditions over 6 months to 1 year following displacement:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): surged from 9.8% to 21.9%
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): increased from 10.2% to 12.6%
Depressive disorders (DD): rose from 22.3% to 33.3%
Anxiety disorders (AD): escalated from 30.8% to 41.5%
Conduct disorders (CD): climbed from 15.4% to 18.0%

Moreover, the study identified female sex and secondary traumatization as risk factors for developing depression, pervasive developmental disorders, and ADHD among the affected children.

Professor Igor Martsenkovsky, head of the Department of Mental Disorders of Children and Adolescents at the SI Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, commented on the findings via Medical Xpress, saying, "This study provides important information about the state of mental health in the child population of Ukraine in 2022-2023. About one-third of the child population has clinically relevant problems related to anxiety, traumatic stress, developing depression, conduct behavior and ADHD."

"Key risk factors for these mental health problems include younger age, no longer being in a committed relationship, having fewer positive childhood experiences within one's family context, and experiencing serious disruption to one's life due to Russian aggression."

The researchers called for enhanced access to mental health services for children and adolescents affected by the war, both within Ukraine and in host countries. Specialized support tailored to children with PTSD and other mental health conditions, as well as trauma-informed approaches in education and social services to help children cope with the emotional aftermath of the war are greatly needed in light of the findings.

Meanwhile, continued support for displaced families is deemed crucial, acknowledging the unique challenges they encounter in ensuring the well-being of their children.

Prof. Geert Dom, president of the European Psychiatric Association, also commented on the study and emphasized the pressing need for action to help the young Ukrainians suffering because of the war.

"These findings paint a concerning picture of the lasting impact of war on the mental health of young Ukrainians. They underscore the urgent need for increased access to mental health services for children and adolescents affected by the war," Dom said.