Post-traumatic stress disorders in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Summary. Socio-political stress related to the war in Ukraine is an extremely unfavorable factor in the public health of the population, especially in patients with rheumatological diseases, which includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Military personnel had acute distress reactions as a result of combat injuries, hypothermia, infections, and developed manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis. Mental health disorders determine the leading clinical picture and social significance of this pathology. A high prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders (adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) is noticable in both civilians and military personnel, which significantly worsens the course of AS and is accompanied by a pronounced pain syndrome, significant morning stiffness in the spine, insomnia, irritability, depression. It requires complex and sometimes aggressive treatment. Such patients need consultative support from psychologists and psychiatrists. Growing neuropsychological stress creates threats to the development of psychosomatic and stress-related diseases and exacerbation of existing pathological processes. The increase in morbidity and disability of our patients has not only a medical and social, but also an important socio-economic significance in terms of influence on the future development of the country.
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