MENTAL HEALTH OF VOLUNTEERS DURING WARTIME: FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEUROTIC AND STRESS-ASSOCIATED DISORDERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORRECTION THROUGH THE “PROBLEM MANAGEMENT PLUS” INTERVENTION

Abstract

Volunteering in wartime conditions is associated with high levels of stress, frequent changes in the location of aid delivery, the need for rapid decision-making, emotional burnout, and direct or indirect exposure to psychotraumatic factors. This leads to an increased risk of developing neurotic and stress-related disorders among volunteers due to constant exposure to risk factors. In this regard, studying the determinants of mental disorders in this group and analyzing effective approaches to their correction is of particular relevance. One of the promising methods is scalable psychological interventions recommended by the WHO for individuals in distress, particularly the “Problem Management Plus” (PM+) program. Despite growing attention to mental health issues during the war, the prevalence and correction methods of non-psychotic mental disorders among volunteers in Ukraine remain insufficiently studied. Objective: to investigate the predictors of development and correction methods of neurotic and stress-related disorders among volunteers engaged in humanitarian aid during wartime. Materials and methods: the study employed psychodiagnostic techniques, a socio- demographic questionnaire, a survey on factors affecting mental health, clinical and psychopathological examination, and content analysis of scientific sources on the application of the PM+ intervention for correcting neurotic and stress- related disorders. The sample consisted of 288 volunteers aged 18–60 years with varying levels of volunteer experience. Analysis of personalized questionnaires revealed that the key factors contributing to the development of neurotic and stress- related disorders among volunteers were: a sense of lack of prospects (39.2%); inability to adapt to a new environment (58.3%); difficulties in assimilating new norms and rules (55.8%); separation or breakup with loved ones (43.3%); deterioration of material and living conditions (65%); forced change of professional activity (23.3%); negative influence of mass media (42.3%); interpersonal conflicts in the team (34.3%); and a feeling of isolation among others (21.1%).For clinical and psychopathological examination, 114 volunteers (39.58% of the sample) were selected. According to the results, 82 participants met the ICD-10 criteria for the diagnosis of neurotic and stress-related disorders. Thus, volunteering during wartime is associated with an increased risk of developing mental disorders. To mitigate this risk, it is necessary to implement psychological support systems and enhance volunteers’ awareness of their own mental health.Scalable psychological interventions, particularly the PM+ program, may be an effective component in correcting these conditions. Further research is needed to adapt the intervention to the Ukrainian context and integrate it into national protocols for the treatment of non-psychotic mental disorders.