For more than a decade, Ukrainian children have grown up with war as a constant backdrop. According to the researchers, the psychological consequences are now becoming clear. A comprehensive review of 37 studies finds that Ukrainian children and adolescents exposed to a decade of war experience high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), internalizing and externalizing symptoms, suicide and self-harm.
An international research team led by the Research Center for Child Psychiatry at the University of Turku, Finland, reviewed the available evidence on the mental health of children and adolescents from Ukraine. Their scoping review combined findings from 37 studies published between 2020 and 2024, covering research conducted from the early years of the conflict to the ongoing full-scale invasion.
In studies, children and young people aged 0-19 have been found to experience a wide range of mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, suicide and self-harm. Although prevalence rates varied, the overall conclusion was consistent: prolonged exposure to war has a serious psychological impact on Ukraine’s youth.
Most studies were cross-sectional and focused on children living in Ukraine, with fewer refugee or clinical populations. Differences in study design, assessment tools and timing made direct comparisons difficult, but many relied on young people’s own reports, offering rare insight into their lived experiences.”
Sanju Silwal, lead author of the study, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Turku
Silwal notes that several patterns emerged repeatedly.
“Girls were more likely than boys to report suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and self-harm, while boys showed higher levels of conduct disorders. Children living in areas most affected by fighting faced a higher risk of moderate to severe mental health problems, including suicide and self-harm. report”.
Displacement and family relationships shape children’s outcomes
Beyond general exposure to conflict, certain experiences sharply increased the risk of mental health problems. Children who had been forcibly displaced, exposed to violence, separated from their parents or lost loved ones were particularly vulnerable. Between a quarter and half of young people reported direct or indirect exposure to war-related events. About a fifth had experienced displacement, either within Ukraine or abroad.
“Where the kids ended up mattered,” notes Silwal. “Forced relocation to another country was associated with higher risks of mental health problems, while internal displacement was associated with greater resilience, possibly because children remained in familiar cultural and social environments.”
Family dynamics also played a role.
“Negative parenting practices or low parental involvement were associated with behavior problems and bullying, while supportive family environments appeared to offer some protection. However, many children reported separation from parents or family members, cutting off vital sources of emotional security during a period of high stress,” says Professor Andre Sourander from the University of Turku.
“We conducted a time-trend study during the early phase of the war and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which revealed that adolescents exposed to both phases of the war experienced higher levels of psychological distress. Over 10 percent attempted suicide compared to 4 percent of unexposed peers.
Many of the studies in the review were rated of low to moderate quality, highlighting how difficult it is to conduct rigorous, long-term research in active warfare environments. However, the inclusion of studies published in both English and Ukrainian provided important cultural and contextual knowledge.
“At a time when children around the world are increasingly affected by armed conflict, understanding these experiences is urgently needed,” emphasizes Sourander.
Taken together, the findings depict a generation growing up under extreme pressure and highlight the urgent need for ongoing mental health support and stronger evidence to guide future interventions.
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