Engelsk titel: International military operations and mental health - A review
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Författare:
Kaikkonen, Noora M
;
Laukkala, Tanja
Email: nkaikkon@student.uef.fi
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 70
Dokumenttyp:
Översikt
UI-nummer: 16033379
Sammanfattning
Background: Volunteering in international military missions has been scrutinized for its effects
on mental health. Different kinds of exposures to traumatic events are associated with a variety
of mental disorders, mainly heightened rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
alcohol abuse. Aims: Based on the literature we discuss risk and protective factors concerning
the psychological well-being of soldiers attending to international military operations. Methods:
A systematic literature search was carried out using relevant search terms to identify the articles
for this review. Results and conclusions: The ability to recognize and treat acute stress reactions
during deployments is important. Post-deployment psychosocial support and services have a role
in lowering barriers to care, diminishing stigma and also in recognizing individuals who suffer
from psychological distress or psychiatric symptoms, to connect them with appropriate care.
Further investigation of gender differences and the role of stigmatization is warranted. Most of
those participating in international military operations are repatriated without problems, but
repeated exposure to combat situations and other stressors may affect mental health in various
ways. Stigmatization is still a barrier to care.