Mian Mukhtar-ul Haq, Shahzad Anwar, Javaid Akhtar, Ulfat Shah, Fazal Rabbani.
Pattern of Psychiatric Symptoms and their Socio Demographic Correlates in IDPs of North Waziristan.
J Saidu Med Col Jan ;8(2):143-8.

Background: Me ntal health is recognized as a key public health issue for conflict affected population. Internally displaced persons usually experience psychological distress as a result of physical and social trauma. Their psychosocial health has been less addressed in Pakistan. Objective: To study the pattern of psychological symptoms and the socio demographic status of- Internally displaced persons. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study has been conducted in psychiatry Department of Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital Bannu during the period of August 2014 to December 2014. One Hundred and Ninety-Three consecutive out door patients were assessed in detail under supervision of a qualified psychiatrist. Diagnosis was made according to diagnostic criteria of ICD-10. Socio demographic information's were collected by a semi-structured proforma designed for that purpose. Results: Among 193 consecutive patients, about 55% were males and over 52% belonged to the age group between 21-40 years, 80% of them were married, while more than 82% were uneducated and jobless. Regarding symptoms presentation, more than half of the patients presented with low mood, irritability, and severe insomnia. About One third of them reported loss of interest in their surroundings environment, while about one forth complained of continuous headache, tremors, palpitations and unexplained physical symptoms. Depressive illness was diagnosed in 36%, followed by Conversion Disorder (18%) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (12%). Conclusion: The study provides evidence about the impact of displacement on mental health of IDPs. Magnitude of the problem demands for effective intervention strategies.

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