Psychiatric Morbidity due to war in Northern Sri Lanka (IN: International Handbook of Traumatic Stress Syndromes, edited by J P Wilson & B Raphael)

This chapter discusses the effects of war on psychiatric morbidity, including suicide rates. Conclusions are based on clinical cases from Sri Lanka from 1983 to 1987. The author suggests that war induces psychological problems, as well as exacerbating pre-existing ones. Specific events in war are also discussed in relation to psychological responses, such as the interaction of rape & suicide in women. Evidence is presented that the suicide rate in Sri Lanka declined during the war & increased after the war. (57 refs) (SC)