Psychische Folgen traumatischer Erfahrungen im Kontext bewaffneter Konflikte und deren Bewältigung und Behandlung

The nature of armed conflicts has substantially transformed. Conflicts now tend to last longer and too often lead to prolonged unstable post-conflict scenarios. Nowadays, the civilian population is commonly involved in the events of war. Against this background, people in conflict regions are particularly exposed to a wide range of traumas and are at high risk of suffering trauma-related health outcomes. The chapter provides an overview of the complexity of the health outcomes of traumatic experiences and addresses not only the frequently considered mental but also the physical consequences of trauma. In addition, the long-term nature and complexity of the consequences are discussed, and long-term trajectories, the duality of positive (posttraumatic growth) and negative consequences following traumatic experiences, and transgenerational effects are examined. A brief introduction to the evidence on psychotherapeutic treatment approaches completes the review. The second part of the chapter focuses on refugees and the process of flight, the multiple traumatic experiences and common treatment approaches. Narrative Exposure Therapy is presented in more detail to provide a more vivid illustration of treatment approaches. The summary section emphasizes the responsibility of host countries for the care of traumatized refugees and for the recognition of the suffering and injustice they endure.