Abstract:
The paper examines the psychological and medical consequences of war for various
categories of the population, including combat veterans and civilians who have experienced
psychological trauma as a result of armed aggression against Ukraine. In the context of
prolonged stress, loss of loved ones, forced displacement, and the destruction of their usual
way of life, a significant number of victims face the development of acute and chronic mental
disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, sleep disor-
ders, emotional burnout, and psychosomatic disorders. Against the backdrop of limited
access to professional help, this leads to increased social tension, a decrease in the quality
of life and complications in the processes of social adaptation. The theoretical part of the
study is based on the analysis of international experience and recommendations of leading
organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), on the provision of medical
and psychological assistance in emergencies and military conflicts. Effective models of cri-
sis intervention, psychosocial support, and comprehensive rehabilitation of people who have
experienced traumatic experiences are considered. The study also includes an analysis of
modern approaches to psychological support both in Ukraine and in the international envi-
ronment. The paper outlines the main challenges, including a shortage of specialists, frag-
mentation of the care system, stigmatisation of mental disorders, lack of integrated support
and limited access to modern forms of care, such as telemedicine and online counselling.
The practical part of the study involved conducting a survey among representatives of the
target groups — veterans and civilians who had experienced traumatic events as a result of
hostilities. The questionnaire included blocks of questions about emotional state, symptoms
of mental disorders, experience of seeking help, access to medical and psychological ser-
vices, and assessment of the effectiveness of the support received. The results of the sur-
vey showed a high level of emotional stress, the prevalence of PTSD and depression symp-
toms, limited access to psychiatric care, and a demand for comprehensive rehabilitation
that combines medical, psychological, social and psychotherapeutic components. Based
on the analysis of the data obtained, the expediency of implementing combined support
programmes, including cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, body-oriented psycho-
therapy, pharmacotherapy, elements of social adaptation, as well as innovative tools such
as mobile applications and online platforms for remote counselling, is substantiated. The
paper formulates practical recommendations for the organisation of systematic, accessible and integrated medical and psychological care aimed at restoring the psycho-emotional
state and improving the quality of life of the affected population.
