A review of the psychological impact of the 2006 war on the civilian population in Lebanon

Abstract

The 2006 Lebanon war was the last major round of the various conflicts that have affected this country for half a century. Its nature, scope, and timing after a decade of relative peace, have had an enduring effect on the Lebanese psyche. At a time of renewed regional tension and a threat of possible military action in the same geographical area, we review the literature on the psychological impact of this war on the civilian population of the affected conflict zone. We also comment on the relative evolution of the Lebanese mental health system and the ability of Lebanon to use lessons from previous conflicts to respond in case of future mass traumatic events. The literature published immediately after the war and years later reveals higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, in addition to anxiety and mood disorders in all groups. Very little is known of the interventions used by the government and various organizations to address these conditions. In the absence of a national emergency response strategy, the mental well-being of war-exposed populations remains vulnerable to cumulative effects and unmet needs. © 2019 American Psychological Association.