The psychosocial effects of landmines in Cambodia

Abstract

The widespread use of landmines in conflict situations around the world and their continuing legacy for the civilian population in injuries, amputations, disabilities and economic costs has been recognized as a major problem. However, the psychosocial consequences for landmine victims are still to be realized. Although there are some facilities for the medical, orthopaedic and long-term rehabilitative care of landmine victims, hardly any exist for their psychosocial needs. This study considers the mental costs in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Individual difficulty in relationships and daily functioning is considerable, and the landmine victim faces social stigmatization, rejection and unemployment. Suggestions are made for brief training in relatively simple mental health care for staff working in already functioning programmes.