Abstract
Background. Prolonged armed conflicts in Georgia (1991-93) took place against a background of extreme social-political tension and economic decline of the country. Teams for Crisis Assistance investigated the wounded participants of war actions, who were located in military hospitals.
Methods. A general questionnaire was administered to the wounded, to ascertain socio-demographic and medical background information. A mental status examination was conducted. Each subject was given time to talk about physical and psychological impacts of a traumatic event.
Results. Among 1400 wounded the range of immediate reactions were considerable: 79.3% of those investigated met criteria for Acute Stress Reaction (ASR), with 8.9% meeting full criteria for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Prompt treatment of trauma survivors with psychotherapy and medication caused the considerable diminution of separate symptoms (i.e., anxiety, nightmares, flash backs, intrusive thoughts) in 47% of cases, and the total reduction in 31% of observed cases, while 22% dropped out from the treatment plans.
Conclusions: Our findings support the efficacy of early intervention in war-related stress morbidity.