AUTHOR=Airapetian Artur , Gruzauskas Valentas , Urbonaite Neringa , Bachmetjev Benedikt , Bernadickas Povilas , Nedzinskiene Laura , Zablockis Rolandas 

TITLE=Dynamic changes in depressive symptoms at the onset of military conflict in a neighboring country: a cross-sectional study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1593088

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1593088

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=Background/ObjectivesAmidst global conflict, mental health issues have surged, with a notable increase in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) due to mental disorders from 1990 to 2019. In Lithuania, a high prevalence of depression contrasts with the global average, with a substantial healthcare allocation to mental health. The study aims to analyze depression rates across Lithuanian regions, employing the PHQ-9 questionnaire for accurate assessment, and addressing mental health needs through region-specific strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted in Lithuania employed an anonymous internet survey to assess the impact of conflict on mental health based on the PHQ-9 scale. Data analysis utilized statistical tools like Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and R studio. The study employed the Shepard operator for data interpolation, visualized in a detailed map of Lithuania illustrating regional depression levels. This approach is innovative as it utilizes advanced interpolation methods to create a highly accurate and detailed geographic representation of mental health data. The precision of this map allows for precise, location-targeted interventions for mental health prevention. This targeted approach is crucial in efficiently addressing mental health issues on a regional scale, ensuring that interventions are both effective and resource efficient.ResultsKey findings included an increase in PHQ-9 depression scores from an average of 7.28 before the war to 9.00 two weeks after the invasion began, suggesting a possible association between the onset of conflict and depressive symptoms. The study revealed a moderate correlation (r = 0.443) between pre-war and post-war PHQ-9 scores. A linear regression model indicated factors affecting depression scores, including age and gender, and spatial mapping showed regional variations in depression, highlighting the western part of Lithuania and the north-eastern central region as areas with higher depression levels.ConclusionsThe study shows increased depression symptoms after conflict, with diverse reactions across demographics and locations in Lithuania. Persistent severe symptoms and the varying effects of education and age on stress responses were observed. The research emphasizes the need for customized mental health strategies, particularly near geopolitical hotspots, to effectively address these challenges.