A study conducted by researchers aimed to explore how the events of a war impacted individuals’ ability to stay focused, achieve work goals, and maintain physical comfort. The study included a sample group of adults aged 20-30 who had not been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder before the war. While they did not experience combat or the events of October 7 firsthand, they were affected by alarms, entering protected areas, and the general atmosphere that accompanied the outbreak of war.
The results showed that about 85% of participants developed attention deficits and high-intensity hyperactivity a month after the war began. These symptoms exceeded the clinical threshold typically associated with a diagnosed attention disorder. Dr. Nitzan Shahar, a clinical psychologist from Tel Aviv University, described the findings as surprising, noting that while these symptoms are common in daily life, they usually manifest in a milder form.
The research also found a correlation between the severity of symptoms and increased consumption of news information. Dr. Shahar emphasized the importance of maintaining controlled and measured news viewing habits, especially during times of war. However, as the war progressed and the trauma of October 7 lessened, there was a decrease in symptoms and a return to baseline levels.
Interestingly, individuals who had been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder before the war showed some improvement in symptoms and a decrease in difficulties since October 7. This phenomenon aligns with the theory that attention difficulties stem from understimulation of the nervous system, suggesting that individuals with this disorder may perform better in times of crisis or national emergency.
Dr. Shahar concluded by stating that severe trauma, such as that experienced during a war, may cause individuals who were not directly affected to develop significant attention deficits for a limited period. He suggested that engaging in activities relevant to the national situation, such as volunteering, could help mitigate these effects.
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