First-of-its-kind study reveals psychological toll of war in Gaza extends far beyond the region 

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of Australian women who migrated from directly impacted countries, or have family ties to the region, according to researchers from UNSW Sydney and The Australian National University (ANU).  

The study, published in Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, is the first of its kind to examine the mental health impact of conflict occurring overseas.  

The research team undertook an assessment of the mental health of 410 women, including a group from the directly impacted regions of Gaza, other Palestinian territories and Lebanon, just prior to the current conflict, and again after the conflict had broken out. 

This longitudinal method showed the differences in mental health and functioning status before and after the start of the conflict.  

Lead author of the study, Professor Susan Rees from UNSW, said that compared with women born in Australia and women from other migrant groups, the women with personal or family connections to the Middle East experienced a concerning increase in panic disorder symptoms and poorer quality of life.  

“They also experienced significant concern about family overseas and the ability to return to the Middle East in an emergency,” she said. 

“Panic disorder symptoms indicate an acute stress reaction in response to the extreme nature of the violence inflicted on some of these women’s communities. Many had family members directly impacted, killed, injured or displaced. 

“Without sufficient mental health support and acknowledgement of their distress, the risk is that panic disorder symptoms and impacted functioning could lead to chronic mental disorders and greater impact on daily functioning.” 

Dr Aino Suomi from ANU said the study offers a significant snapshot of the change in mental health in a diaspora population. 

“It shows urgent attention needs to be given to those with connections to the conflict zone – in this case people from Lebanon, Gaza or Palestine,” she said. 

“The conflict has been ongoing since this data was collected, indicating the likelihood of more serious impacts on this population.” 

According to the research team, the study demonstrates the need for mental health practitioners to be trained to screen and treat panic symptoms, as well as common disorders such as PTSD, and to be aware of groups that need to be identified and supported. 

“Some of these problems can be averted by recognising and addressing the underlying factors related to war and human rights violations,” Professor Rees said. 

“Intervening early with appropriate mental health responses may help reduce long-term issues and quality of life for those impacted groups.”