Post-war trauma: one in five Russian soldiers face PTSD

One in five soldiers returning from the front in Ukraine exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. This report was presented by Deputy Defense Minister Anna Cyvilova, Vladimir Putin's cousin.

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On Monday, Vladimir Putin dismissed four deputy ministers in the Ministry of National Defense and replaced them with new individuals, including his cousin Anna Cyvilova, known as "All-Powerful Anna."

Cyvilova will manage social and housing services for military personnel and oversee the cooperation between the Ministry of National Defense and the Homeland Defense Foundation, which she heads. Her husband, Sergey Cyvilov, took over the Ministry of Energy in May, having previously served as the governor of the Kemerovo region.

One in five soldiers returning from the war in Ukraine is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the new Deputy Defense Minister.

"It's about 20 percent. Such a diagnosis requires serious, long-term work by a psychiatrist and a medical psychologist with pharmacological support. But, of course, everyone who returns from the military zone needs psychological support," Cyvilova said in an interview with Vedomosti.

Cyvilova highlighted that early-diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder can often be treated with therapy from a psychologist without the use of medication. However, she emphasized that there is currently a shortage of psychologists who could work with war participants.

"It's important for a person to have a perspective on life, even if they have suffered an injury or are disabled. Our veterans are young men; they have families and small children, and they need to work and be supported by society," Putin's cousin emphasized.

According to data from the Russian Ministry of Health, every fourth soldier who participated in the war and sought psychological help was referred to a psychiatrist.

Source: "Moscow Times"