THE IMPACT OF WAR TRAUMA ON CHILDREN: TOXIC STRESS AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

The objective of this study is to systematically examine the impact of war-related trauma on children, with a particular focus on the phenomenon of toxic stress and its long-term consequences. A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases, encompassing studies published between 2000 and 2025 that addressed the psychological, neurobiological, and social aspects of war-related trauma in the pediatric population. Exposure to war-related traumatic experiences, including violence,
loss of parents, forced displacement, and disruption of education, significantly increases the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive and anxiety disorders, behavioural problems, as well as cognitive and emotional impairments. Long-term consequences include structural and functional neurobiological alterations, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-
adrenal (HPA) axis, disrupted cortisol secretion, and heightened vulnerability to chronic health conditions, including cardiometabolic diseases, impaired immune responses, and psychosomatic symptoms. Social determinants such as loss of parental care, educational disruption, and marginalisation further exacerbate adverse outcomes, whereas protective factors, including stable
family and community support, can mitigate these effects. Evidence consistently demonstrates that family-centred interventions, in combination with targeted psychosocial programs, play therapy, educational initiatives, and mentorship, significantly reduce adverse outcomes and enhance resilience in affected children. Timely, comprehensive, and family-oriented support thus emerges as
a critical factor in preventing and alleviating the long-term consequences of war trauma, while an integrated approach addressing psychological, neurobiological, and social dimensions facilitates a more thorough understanding of the complex impact of warrelated trauma and informs the design of effective interventions.