2023-11-24 21:57:36
Dozens of hostages, including women and children, were released on Friday in Gaza after being detained by Hamas for about seven weeks. As the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas concluded, the focus has turned to the potential psychological consequences for those who were released.
British psychiatrist Neil Greenberg, an expert in psychological trauma, explained that while not all former hostages develop post-traumatic stress disorder, a large minority do. He added that while there are no specific symptoms for former hostages, the experience itself carries its own characteristics that may cause future problems such as isolation, humiliation, and feelings of helplessness.
The media spotlight on hostages can also impact their ability to recover, and some may experience severe post-traumatic stress symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, memory loss, depression, anxiety, and withdrawal from social life.
While some former hostages struggle to regain control of their lives, others may experience positive psychological effects from their ordeal. However, psychiatrists have difficulty determining in advance which hostages are more likely to develop mental disorders.
A study published in the Journal of the British Royal Society of Medicine in 2009 identified potential risk factors for negative developments after a hostage situation, including being a woman, having a low level of education, or being isolated for a long period. However, due to ethical and practical reasons, it is challenging to follow up with hostages after their release, making it difficult to draw scientific conclusions.
Psychiatrist Christine Rollier, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder, emphasized the need for immediate psychological follow-up for former hostages, allowing them to talk about their experiences and accompanying them on the journey back to normalcy.
The hostage situation in Gaza was sparked by an attack launched by Hamas on the territory of Israel, leading to approximately 240 people being taken hostage and 1,200 people being killed, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel carried out a devastating bombardment on Gaza, resulting in a high number of casualties.
The release of hostages in Gaza has raised concerns about their mental health and the potential long-term psychological effects of their ordeal. It remains crucial to provide support and resources to help them recover and reintegrate into society.]
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