Doctor of Medical Sciences: An epidemic of mental disorders may break out in Ukraine after the end of the war

An epidemic of mental disorders may break out in Ukraine after the war. So far, it has been contained by the fighting, which keeps the psyche of the military and civilians united.

This was warned by Mykhailo Pustovoit, a psychiatrist, MD, head of the Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, and Medical Psychology at Ivano-Frankivsk Medical University, in an interview with NV. According to him, there are currently no mass mental disorders in Ukraine, both among the military and civilians.

However, the situation may change, the scientist says.

"There is a possibility that such an epidemic could break out after the end of active hostilities. Now the war serves as a framework that keeps the psyche of both military and civilians united," said Pustovoit.

He added that we should be very careful and ready for the moment when this framework disappears.

As a reminder, in February 2023, the WHO said that a quarter of Ukraine's population may suffer from mental health disorders due to Russia's armed aggression.

"According to WHO estimates, one in four people in Ukraine is at risk of severe mental illness," said Michel Kazatchkine, the organization's special adviser.

He added that mental health is becoming a major health problem in Ukraine.

As OBOZ.UA wrote, work can also have serious consequences for mental health. The WHO report shows that exhausting working days cause the death of 745 thousand people every year.

In addition, too much coffee can harm the psyche. It can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and heart palpitations, and it should be remembered that people may have different sensitivities to caffeine.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!