War as an Indirect Media-Transmitted Traumatic Stressor

The current Russo-Ukrainian war is undoubtedly one of the most catastrophic and traumatic ongoing stressors for large populations of people. Military personnel, civilians, and refugees are at a high risk of combat-related psychopathology. However, the impact of ongoing war conflicts is not limited to those directly affected. Modern hybrid warfare indirectly affects an even larger population through news media. Exposure to stressors transmitted by the media is as stressful and dangerous as direct exposure to life-threatening events. It is, therefore, crucial to educate distressed clients, who may be sensitized to negative reactions, on how to manage media consumption and mitigate its harmful effects. Additionally, we believe it's important to consider reevaluating and adapting the diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) since it has been confirmed that it can develop as a result of secondary/vicarious traumatization through media exposure.