Novel Tools to Monitor the Effect of a Major Conflict on Mental Health – the Case of the Israeli Public’s Response to the October 7th War

Introduction: The terror attacks on October 7th, 2023, and the war that followed, have had a profound impact on the mental health of the Israeli population. The presentation will provide a comprehensive analysis of mental health outcomes following the war, incorporating data from multiple data sources. Methods: The research focuses on the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional distress, and substance use, utilizing a combination of traditional epidemiological methods, including medical records analysis and surveys with innovative data collection techniques. PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as quality of life, were measured in different populations and correlated with other data sources, including Google Trends™ of Spotify™ music application data regarding Israel. Results: 31.4% of participants screened positive for PTSD approximately one month after the attacks, and significant increases in the use of tobacco, alcohol, tranquilizers, and sleep medications were reported. Younger age, female gender, and higher levels of exposure to the attacks were associated with increased PTSD and emotional distress. Google Trends identified an increase in searches related to depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and Spotify music preferences in Israel detected a decrease in songs’ valence, as defined by Spotify’s algorithm. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical need for targeted mental health interventions and support mechanisms to address the widespread psychological impact of the October 7th war and to monitor its effects in various populations. These findings provide valuable insights for mental health professionals and policymakers in Israel and globally.