Collective trauma in the Vanni- a qualitative inquiry into the mental health of the internally displaced due to the civil war in Sri Lanka

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>From January to May, 2009, a population of 300,000 in the Vanni, northern Sri Lanka underwent multiple displacements, deaths, injuries, deprivation of water, food, medical care and other basic needs caught between the shelling and bombings of the state forces and the LTTE which forcefully recruited men, women and children to fight on the frontlines and held the rest hostage. This study explores the long term psychosocial and mental health consequences of exposure to massive, existential trauma.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper is a qualitative inquiry into the psychosocial situation of the Vanni displaced and their ethnography using narratives and observations obtained through participant observation; in depth interviews; key informant, family and extended family interviews; and focus groups using a prescribed, semi structured open ended questionnaire.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The narratives, drawings, letters and poems as well as data from observations, key informant interviews, extended family and focus group discussions show considerable impact at the family and community. The family and community relationships, networks, processes and structures are destroyed. There develops collective symptoms of despair, passivity, silence, loss of values and ethical mores, amotivation, dependency on external assistance, but also resilience and post-traumatic growth.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Considering the severity of family and community level adverse effects and implication for resettlement, rehabilitation, and development programmes; interventions for healing of memories, psychosocial regeneration of the family and community structures and processes are essential.</p

Statement on Virginity Testing: Independent Forensic Expert Group

Virginity examinations are practiced in many countries, and often forcibly, in a number of contexts, including in detention places; on women who allege rape; on women who are accused by authorities of prostitution; and as part of public or social policies to control sexuality. In other states, the practice is illegal. The purpose of this medico-legal statement is to provide legal experts, adjudicators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, among others, with an understanding of the physical and psychological effects of forcibly conducting virginity examinations on females and to assess whether, based on these effects, forcibly conducted virginity examinations constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or torture. This medico-legal statement also addresses the medical interpretation and relevance of such examinations and the ethical implications. This opinion considers an examination to be ‘forcibly conducted’ when it is “committed by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person incapable of giving genuine consent.” &nbsp; For full details about the Independent Forensic Expert Group please visit http://www.irct.org/our-support/ medical-and-psychological-case-support/forensic-expertgroup.aspx

The tragedy of war

Daya Somasundara

Referral structure for management of mental health problems (at District Level)

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Collective trauma in northern Sri Lanka: a qualitative psychosocial-ecological study"</p><p>http://www.ijmhs.com/content/1/1/5</p><p>International Journal of Mental Health Systems 2007;1():5-5.</p><p>Published online 4 Oct 2007</p><p>PMCID:PMC2241836.</p><p></p

Using international classification of Diseases 11 “Mental disorders specifically associated with stress” in developing countries

This article summarizes the revised criteria for disorders specifically associated with stress in ICD-11 highlighting major differences from previous classification systems. It also examines the main challenges for implementing these diagnostic guidelines in LMIC countries particularly in South Asia. These challenges are described in the context of socio-cultural, healthcare and humanitarian settings. It also discusses the implications of the revised classification on planning, building capacity, service development and setting up a research agenda for improving mental health care in developing countries