In a large (1,196) well-controlled interview study of Palestinian men and women living in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, especially high prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) were found in men in the West Bank 29.9%,/25.4%, Gaza 22.6%/27.6%, and somewhat lower in East Jerusalem 16.1%/16.1%, with comparable rates for women in these three areas- 23.8%/29.0%, 23.9%/28.9% and 19.7%/27.6%. While the authors recognize that these reactions were in response to prolonged socio-political conflict, the diagnosis of PTSD is proffered, when the stress and trauma continue. I would suggest it is chronic stress disorder in response to ongoing stress that is really at issue, in contrast to post-traumatic stress disorder, because the stress and trauma continue, with no prospect of relief.
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