Psychiatric Patients The Most Vulnerable Victims of Wartime Crises
Psychiatric Patients: The Most Vulnerable Victims of Wartime Crises // From the Sound of Explosions to Waves of Anxiety: The Psychological Impact of War on Society
The Director of the Psychos Research Center at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences has warned about the psychological consequences of war, stating: Continuous stress, the sound of explosions, forced displacement, and disruptions in access to medication could trigger a surge in anxiety, depression, and the relapse of psychiatric disorders within society, particularly among vulnerable patients.
According to a report by the Webda University reporter, Dr. Fahimeh Saeid, Director of the Psychos Research Center and a faculty member at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, warned of the exacerbation of mental disorders and the reduction of therapeutic support for psychiatric patients due to the critical situation caused by military conflicts.
Dr. Fahimeh Saeid, a psychiatrist at Razi Psychiatric Hospital, stated: In wartime conditions, psychological trauma caused by persistent stress and interrupted access to medication significantly increases the risk of relapsing chronic illnesses.
Analyzing the consequences of serious health crises, she identified psychiatric patients as one of the most vulnerable groups in society, being affected by war both directly and indirectly.
Dr. Saeid added: Multiple factors, including the sound of explosions, continuous stress, forced relocation, and the decline of psychological support, can lead to the onset or intensification of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and insomnia.
Pointing to the damage inflicted on healthcare infrastructure, she noted that, contrary to international laws, medical facilities are not entirely secure, and airstrikes have posed serious challenges to the provision of services in psychiatric centers. She also cited the difficulty in procuring medication and attending therapeutic sessions—both outpatient and inpatient—as complicating factors.
Concluding with recommendations for crisis management, the psychiatrist emphasized the importance of regular medication adherence, avoiding changes to medical prescriptions without consulting a physician, and utilizing remote counseling services (telephone and online).
She also mentioned emergency helpline services, such as the Ministry of Health's number (190) and the State Welfare Organization's number (1480), for receiving immediate support.
Dr. Saeid further emphasized the necessity of utilizing 24-hour medical capacities and telephone counseling lines.
She stated: Despite multiple bombings in Rey city and minor damage to the hospital's administrative facilities, this center, as the largest psychiatric hospital in the region, has continued to provide services to its clients.
In her final remarks, Dr. Fahimeh Saeid expressed her hope for the end of this imposed war and prayed for peace, tranquility, and security for the people of Iran and all our compatriots.
نظر دهید