The Syrian Mental Health Crisis: <br>Present Findings and Future Directions

Abstract

The Syrian refugee crisis has displaced more than 6 million Syrian citizens and has adversely impacted the mental health of millions of people. In the seven years since the Syrian crisis began, a generation has come of age in a war zone. Some call them the lost generation of Syrians. Nonetheless, in a crisis zone, the need for triage is constant. Thus, most organizations and institutions responding to the Syrian crisis reasonably prioritize the provision of lifesaving water, food, clothing, and urgent medical care over mental health care. This review evaluates the prevalence of psychopathology among Syrian refugees, with a focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mood disorders. On behalf of the victims of the Syrian crisis, this study calls upon all aid organizations and institutions to help in any way they can. In the near term, Telepsychiatry appears a viable option to provide mental healthcare to refugees.