The devastating effects of war on children’s mental health are indicated in new research in Ukraine, co-authored by our Training Forum member Denis Ougrin.

Writing in the scientific journal JAACAP Open, Professor Ougrin of London University and others found that up to 40% of children in the western Ukrainian city of Tarnopil showed significant symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – even though their city was not in a frontline area.

The study cited possible effects of PTSD among children as including depressive disorder, self-harm, suicide attempts and externalising disorders, such as conduct problems and substance abuse.

The fact that PTSD is appearing in a cohort who live far from the active conflict zone is particularly concerning, say the authors, although these children are exposed to air raid warnings, family anxiety and bereavement, and news from the frontlines. Symptoms were highest among females and younger children.

‘The study shows a high prevalence of significant PTSD symptoms even among Ukrainian children living in areas far from active conflict zones,’ wrote the authors, ‘suggesting an urgent need for solutions to protect and improve the mental health of youth in war-affected countries.’

Their research covered 4,753 children aged 7-17 from 26 schools in the city. Titled ‘Prevalence and Correlates of Significant Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Children in Ukraine’, it can be read here.