ANXIETY DISORDERS IN MILITARY PERSONNEL AFTER MINEEXPLOSIVE TRAUMA: CLINICAL STRUCTURE, COURSE, AND TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32689/2663-0672-2026-1-2Keywords:
anxiety disorders, military personnel, mine-explosive injury, hydroxyzine, psychoemotional state, somatovegetative symptomsAbstract
Background. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in military personnel following combat-related trauma. In the context of ongoing military conflict, the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders increases significantly, often accompanied by somatic symptoms and leading to impaired quality of life and functioning. Purpose. To investigate the clinical and psychopathological features of anxiety disorders in military personnel after mine-explosive injury, to determine their structure and course, and to evaluate the effectiveness of hydroxyzine in complex therapy. Materials and Methods. The study included 35 military personnel with combat experience and mine-explosive injury presenting with anxiety disorders (main group) and 20 military personnel without anxiety symptoms (control group). The mean age was 38.5 ± 2.1 years. Psychological assessment included the Spielberger–Khanin State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Patients received hydroxyzine at a daily dose of 75–100 mg. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric methods. Results. Generalized anxiety disorder (34.29%) and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (28.57%) were the most prevalent conditions. A high frequency of somatovegetative symptoms was observed. In most cases, anxiety disorders had a relatively short duration, although some patients showed a tendency toward chronicity. After treatment, a significant reduction in situational anxiety, depressive symptoms, and psychopathological syndromes was observed (p < 0.05–0.01), along with an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions. Anxiety disorders in military personnel after mine-explosive injury are characterized by a polymorphic clinical presentation, somatovegetative manifestations, and a tendency toward prolonged course. Hydroxyzine is an effective and safe treatment option that significantly reduces anxiety and improves psychoemotional status.
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