Mental Health of Retired Ex-Combatants

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze the structure of mental disorders and social adaptation in retired ex-combatants of the security forces. Methods: 111 retired men, ex-combatants who sought medical care, were examined. There are two groups: I: 56 people with identified mental disorders; II: 55 with pre-nosological mental health disorders. Results: It is shown that the state of mental health of retired ex-combatants is characterized by severe polymorphic mental disorders, especially those expressed in group I (organic, behavioural disorders, substance use, schizophrenia, schizotypic and delusional disorders, affective, neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders, personality and behaviour disorders in adulthood), as well as social maladaptation, associated with the transformation of values, lifestyle and communication, the emergence of difficulties in social and everyday life, the breakdown of social ties and the displacement of pensioners from public life. Conclusion: The article substantiates the need for a comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation of retired ex-combatants with the interaction of all government structures, public associations, medical, psychological and social institutions directly related to the development and implementation of individual rehabilitation routes.