Original scientific paper

IMPACT OF CHRONIC POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WAR SURVIVORS

Alma Bravo-Mehmedbašić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abdulah Kučukalić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Alma Džubur Kulenović ; Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Enra Suljić ; Department of Neurology University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Background: Research data from studies of functional neuroanatomy and neurochemistry indicate various dysfunctions in
certain areas of the brain in individuals who suffer from chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. These abnormalities are involved in
the evolution of symptoms of PTSD, deterioration of cognitive functions and decreased quality of life of the survivors. The intensity of
these symptoms is in direct correlation with the degree of dysfunction in the central nervous system. The aim of our study, was to
evaluate the subjective perception of the Quality of life in subjects suffering from chronic PTSD and to compare prior to treatment
results to results three and six months after receiving therapy, as well as to analyze whether perception of the Quality of life change
related to treatment. The study was conducted at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Sarajevo University Clinical Center.
Subjects and methods: The sample consisted of 100 male persons, with war trauma experiences, whose age range was between
35 and 60 years, who were seeking treatment at the Psychiatric Clinic, University of Sarajevo Clinical Center and met the criteria
for the diagnosis of chronic PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) according to ICD-10. (International Statistical Classification of
Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision). The exclusion criterion was prior psychiatric illness (traumatization before
the war) and less than 8 years of education. All subjects received out-patient treatment. Their treatment involved psychopharmacological
and psychotherapeutic therapy. The subjects were assessed using the following instruments: Sociodemographic
Questionnaire designed by the authors for registering the social and demographic characteristics of the subjects (age, years of
education, current employment, and socioeconomic status) and Manchester Quality of Life Scale (MANSA) as a self-report scale.
The subjects were assessed prior to treatment, and three and six months after beginning the treatment (follow-up).
Results: There was an increase in the mean values of subjective perception of Quality of Life between the first (3.2352), second
(3.4447), and third test (3.6090). Differences between these mean values were not statistically significant between the first and
second test, but significant between the second and third test. Also differences between sociodemographic characteristics prior to
treatment and during six month follow-up were not statistically significant. A significant increase has been noted in the number of
contacts with close friends between the first, second and third test. Also, we recorded a decrease in pertaining aggressive and
criminal behavior between the three tests.
Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that subjects who are suffering from chronic PTSD have a lower subjective
perception of their quality of life. Combined psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment over a period of six months
lead to improvement in the perception of quality of life. This may indicate the need for longer treatment of individuals suffering from
chronic PTSD. A significant increase has been noted in the number of contacts with close friends between the first, second and third
test, reflecting positive treatment effects on everyday life functioning and coping skills.

Keywords

chronic PTSD; quality of life

Hrčak ID:

76358

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76358

Publication date:

29.10.2010.

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