Response of Polish Psychiatric Patients to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine in February 2022―Predictive Role of Risk Perception and Temperamental Traits

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 on Polish patients with depression and schizophrenia. It has been hypothesized that possible changes in symptoms may be predicted by the subjective risk perception related with the Russo-Ukraine War (RUW) as well as by temperamental traits. The study was conducted with 80 patients with schizophrenia or depression. A questionnaire measuring sociodemographic characteristics, perception of risk, temperamental characteristics, and symptoms of depression and schizophrenia were used as research tools. Symptom intensity was compared with the average symptom intensity calculated on the basis of archival symptom measurements from the three consecutive months preceding the outbreak of the RUW. Predictors of change in symptoms were also analyzed, taking into account sociodemographic variables, the level of risk perception, and temperamental traits. The results indicate the specific patterns of reactions to war danger for patients with different types of psychiatric diagnosis. Depressed patients reacted with an increase in seven symptoms related to unworthiness and/or guilt, lack of interest, and/or pleasure and pessimism. The response of schizophrenic patients was related only with an increase in positive symptoms. This study highlights the need to provide more support to psychiatric patients in acute emergencies.