International Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ICPSS)

Transition Perceptions Project in Sudan

Workshop on the Social and Psychological Impacts of War in Sudan

Paper Title:

The Psychological Effects and Disorders of War: Effective Pathways to Recovery

Presented and Prepared by:

Psychological Consultant

Lubna Ali Mohammed Abdulrahman

(Bit Makli National Organization)

Introduction

The psychological effects of wars and conflicts are far more severe and long-lasting than is often recognized, as they may persist throughout an individual’s life. No one is immune to the psychological consequences of war; they affect children and adolescents as well as adults. Nevertheless, there are a number of methods and approaches that can be employed to address these effects and reduce their impact on the daily lives of survivors.

This paper sheds light on the psychological disorders resulting from wars. It also examines the psychological effects of wars and conflicts on adolescents and children. Finally, it presents a set of guidelines and practical approaches to recovery from the psychological consequences of wars and conflicts.

Wars have a profound impact on human beings. Beyond the material and physical destruction they cause, wars penetrate the human psyche and leave deep and lasting scars on individuals and societies alike. Those who experience the conditions of war—such as threats, displacement, destruction, the loss of limbs, or even the death of family members—cannot remain psychologically untouched by these events. Inevitably, such experiences inflict significant psychological harm.