BMJ  2006;333:971 (4 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7575.971-a

Letter

Health in the Middle East

Psychological implications of Iraqi invasion

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR—In a rapid response to Dyer's news item, Rana highlights the risks of psychological damage on the Iraqi population stemming from their exposure to an apparent vast increase in violent death.1 2 Previous studies have shown that 8% of men and 20% of women who are directly exposed to life threatening violence go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder in the following weeks. This becomes a chronic disorder lasting years in up to 30% of these people.3 With over 500 000 violent deaths there will no doubt have been many more people exposed to grave violence. It therefore seems likely that the nation of Iraq may suffer a double blow, firstly by losing a sizeable proportion of its population—and the study shows that 15-45 year olds are most commonly affected—and secondly by the serious consequences of people with post-traumatic stress disorder. This may also be compounded by cultural barriers . . . [Full text of this article]

Michael E Reschen, senior house officer general medicine

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU Mreschen@doctors.org.uk


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