Previous research has shown that people with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable to symptoms of psychological distress after exposure to armed conflict. Past work has also shown that individuals displaced by conflict are at heightened risk of post-traumatic stress. Using a national online sample of Ukrainians in the early weeks of the 2022 Russian invasion, we aim to examine associations between functional disability and symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

We examined the association between levels of functional disability in the Ukrainian population and symptoms of post-traumatic stress during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. We analysed data from a national sample of 2000 participants from across this country, assessing disability using the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-12)(six domains of disability) and the International Trauma Questionnaire assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology according to the Eleventh Edition of The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Moderated regression examined the impact of displacement status on the disability–post-traumatic stress relationship.

Different domains of disability predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) to varying extents, with overall disability score significantly associated with PTSSs. This relationship was not moderated by displacement status. Consistent with previous research, females reported higher levels of post-traumatic stress.

In a study of a general population during a time of armed conflict, individuals with more severe disabilities were at greater risk of PTSSs. Psychiatrists and related professionals should consider pre-existing disability as a risk factor for conflict-related post-traumatic stress.

There is cumulative evidence of the importance of exploring the change of dynamics between symptoms over time as reflective of consolidation of psychopathology.

To explore the interactions between symptoms of ICD-11 adjustment disorder before and after the second lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and identify the most central symptoms and their concurrent and prospective associations with probable adjustment disorder.

This is a population-based study drawn from a probability-based internet panel. A representative sample of the adult Israeli population was assessed at two time points (T1, pre-second lockdown, n = 1029, response rate 76.17%; T2, post-second lockdown, n = 764, response rate 74.24%). Symptoms of adjustment disorder were assessed by the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ).

Although the overall strength of associations at the two measurement points was similar and two same communities were found, there was a significant change in their structure, with a more consolidated network at T2. The most central item was ‘difficult to relax’ in both networks. Cross-sectionally, all symptoms of failure to adapt significantly predicted adjustment disorder. ‘Worry a lot more’ (preoccupation) and ‘difficult to adapt to life’ (failure to adapt) at T1 significantly predicted this diagnosis at T2.

Adjustment disorder symptoms consolidated during the second lockdown of the pandemic. In line with the ICD-11 conceptualisation of adjustment disorder, both preoccupation and failure-to-adapt symptoms have prognostic validity. This highlights the importance of identifying and targeting adjustment disorder symptoms during a period of stress such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the aging population has been shown to be highly vulnerable. As a result, policy makers and the media urged older adults to restrict social interactions, placing them at greater risk of mental health problems, such as depression. However, there has been a little previous attempt to examine coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-related risk factors and depressive symptoms amongst older adults.

Participants (938 older adults, Mage = 68.99, s.d. = 3.41, range 65–85) answered an online questionnaire at the start of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Israel. Participants completed measures of background characteristics, world assumptions, COVID-19 vaccine-related variables, and symptoms of depression.

Univariate logistic regression revealed that more negative world assumptions were linked with clinical depression levels.

Older adults in our sample were susceptible to unique factors associated with clinical depression influenced by their world assumptions during their COVID-19 vaccination. The high level of depression following vaccination indicates that it may take time to recover from depression associated with pandemic distress. Cognitive interventions that focus on world assumptions are recommended.

To assess the prevalence of elevated risk of serious mental illness and probable ICD-11 adjustment disorder in the UK population at two time points during COVID-19, and their association with COVID-19-related stressful events.

To check the dose–response model for stress between the number of COVID-19-related stressful events and mental health indices.

We conducted two cross-sectional studies, using internet survey samples across the UK (N = 1293 for study 1; N = 1073 for study 2). Samples used internet panel surveys during March–April 2020 and 3 months later (June 2020), and used random stratified samples. Studies assessed prevalence of serious risk of mental illness and probable ICD-11 adjustment disorder.

Elevated risk of serious mental illness was found among those with COVID-19-related social life or occupationally stressful events (study 1). Elevated risk of serious mental illness and probable ICD-11 adjustment disorder was evident among those reporting COVID-19-related stressful events (personal health problems and caregiving; study 2). Cumulative COVID-19-related stressful events were associated with elevated risk of serious mental illness in study 1 (odds ratio 1.65; 95% CI 1.03–2.64; P = 0.037), and with both elevated risk of serious mental illness (odds ratio 2.19; 95% CI 1.15–4.15; P = 0.017) and probable ICD-11 adjustment disorder (odds ratio 2.45; 95% CI 1.27–4.72; P = 0.007) in study 2.

Psychiatrists should be aware that COVID-19-related stressful events can lead to serious psychological problems. Mental health professionals need to pay particular attention to patients who report cumulative COVID-19-related stressful events, and consider them for mental health assessment and treatment.

The Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 led to the relocation of 300 000 survivors. Studies following disasters focus primarily on data collected in the immediate aftermath and neglect the influence of wider community factors.

A three-level prospective study examining associations between survivors' psychological distress and individual- and social-level factors in the 6 years following a complex disaster.

We drew on two multi-wave data collections in the 6 years after the earthquake, using residents from different forms of housing. Sample 1 included six waves of private-housing residents from 2011 to 2016 (n = 1084 per wave), sample 2 five waves of residents living in prefabricated housing from 2012 to 2016 (n = 1515 per wave). We analysed prospective associations between distress and time (level 1), pre-existing disorders and disaster experiences and behaviours (level 2) and city-wide measures of support and physical activity (level 3).

Multilevel models with random coefficients demonstrated greater distress in earlier waves (samples 1 and 2 respectively, adjusted β = −15 and β = −0.16, P < 0.001), among female respondents (β = 0.58, P = 0.01 and β = 1.74, P = 0.001), in those with a previous psychiatric history (β = 2.76, β = 2.06, P < 0.001) with diminished levels of activity post-earthquake (β = 1.40, β = 1.51, P < 0.001) and those lacking in social support (β = 1.95, β = 1.51, P < 0.001). Support from spouses and friends was most protective of psychological health. City-level support was negatively associated with distress, but only among those in prefabricated housing.

Psychological distress diminished with time, but varied across gender, psychiatric history, housing, levels of activity and availability of social support. Practitioners should consider individual- and city-level factors when devising effective interventions.

The 2011 Great Japan tsunami and nuclear leaks displaced 300 000 people, but there are no large studies of psychological distress suffered by these refugees.

To provide a first assessment of major factors associated with distress and dysfunctional behaviour following the disasters.

All refugee families living in Miyagi were sent a questionnaire 10–12 months after the disasters. 21 981 participants (73%) returned questionnaires. Questions assessed psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K6), dysfunctional behaviours, demographics, event exposure, change in physical activity, household visitors and emotional support.

Nine percent scored 13+ on the K6 indicating risk of severe mental illness. Psychological distress was greater among Fukushima refugees. Demographic variables, family loss, illness history and change in physical activity were associated with psychological distress and dysfunctional behaviours. Associations between psychological distress and dysfunction and visitors/supporters depended on relation to supporter.

Practitioners need to recognise existing disease burden, community histories and family roles when intervening following disasters.