Europe is still confronted with the dramatic emergency of the war in Ukraine. Many people had to flee and are now living in neighbouring countries and do not know if they will ever be able to return to their homeland. A large proportion of these forcibly displaced persons suffer from the consequences of traumatic events and exhibit psychological problems or develop mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive and anxiety disorders, and relapses in psychotic episodes. Only a small portion of them sought help so far. It is not yet known why the others do not seek any metal health care, although they are granted unrestricted access to the mental health care system in almost all European countries.
This symposium will present and discuss the conditions of mental health care for displaced persons from Ukraine in different countries.
This is a joint symposium of EPA Committee on Ethics, Section on Intercultural psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Migration of DGPPN and ECNP Suicide Network
08:30 Uhr
Increased risk of mental disorders and suicidality among children and adolescents during wartime
J. Balazs (Budapest, HU)
08:52 Uhr
You are not alone – Polish Psychiatric Association supporting forcibly displaced people from Ukraine
J. Samochowiec (Stettin, PL)
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Autor:in:
J. Samochowiec (Stettin, PL)
Immediately after Russia commenced aggression against Ukraine, the Polish Psychiatric Association publicly called for humanitarian support for Ukraine and initiated meetings with representatives of Psychiatric Societies operating in Ukraine in order to identify current needs in the war-stricken areas and coordinate aid.
The PPA allocated its financial resources to humanitarian aid and, through the EPA, appealed for condemnation of military operations as well as support for Ukraine by individual NPAs.
By the decision of the Government, all persons arriving in the territory of the Republic of Poland after the commencement of the Russian aggression against Ukraine have free access to public psychiatric assistance, including reimbursement of pharmacological treatment on the same terms as Polish citizens. According to the UHNR data over 4 million displaced people, refugees, came to Poland so far and some of them benefited from such help.
The Polish Psychiatric Association supports the initiatives of non-governmental organizations supporting refugees and monitors and responds to the needs reported by the Ukrainian side on an ongoing basis. At present, the PPA activities focus on the following priorities:
1. Need-adapted-help: Provision of customized aid - not only medications but also power generators, technical equipment. And so, the PPA shipped to Ukraine some basic equipment, sleeping mats, bedding, mattresses, backpacks, cleaning products, personal hygiene products, as well as tools for renovation and construction.
2. Awareness - highlighting the consequences of Russia's aggression on people with mental disorders in Ukraine and its impact on the entire population (PTSD, grief). Inviting and lobbying for dissemination of personal reports of Ukrainian health care w