The Conflict in Ukraine: Medical and Psychological Aspects

Abstract

This mini-review analyzes medical and psychological aspects of the conflict in Ukraine. If the global power shifts to Russia, it may come along with losses of certain values. The quality of many services, products and foodstuffs will decline. Autocratic or military management style will gain sway also in the healthcare and science. Attributes of this style include the lack of criticism and objective discussion, paternalistic approach to patients, bossy management and occasional disregard of the principle of informed consent. Suboptimal practices have been used as per instructions and leading experts’ publications. To name but a few: the overuse of Halsted and Patey mastectomy with excision of pectoral muscles, coagulation of endocervical ectopies without cyto- or histological check for precancerous changes, parabulbar injections of placebos, extensive gastric resections for peptic ulcers, thoracic and abdominal surgery for bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus, overuse of surgery in tuberculosis. Psychological issues related to the Ukraine conflict are discussed here. Repressed shame may cause aggression. Some topics discussed in this article are associated with shame, summarily reflected by the comparatively low life expectancy and world highest abortion rate in Russia. Instead of machismo and militarism, the propaganda should popularize the image of scrupulous and hardworking people.