Posttraumatic stress disorder among psychologists embedded in Ukraine’s security sectors during war: Differences across the Armed Forces, National Guard, and National Police

Psychological support providers embedded within military and law enforcement organizations during armed conflict are exposed to both direct and secondary trauma, placing them at elevated risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In Ukraine, the staff title "psychologist" designates psychological support providers employed by security organizations, encompassing providers with varying levels of formal training. The "security sector" comprises three uniformed branches - the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the National Police - with distinct operational missions and combat exposure. Little is known about how the PTSD burden and its correlates differ across these branches when examined concurrently. This study examined PTSD symptom severity and probable DSM-5 PTSD among psychologists in each branch during the ongoing war. A cross-sectional survey conducted in 2024 also measured adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), lifetime trauma exposure, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Ordinary least squares and logistic regression models were estimated for pooled and branch-specific samples. Psychologists in the Armed Forces showed higher PTSD symptom severity and a greater prevalence of probable PTSD than those in the National Guard or National Police. Across branches, cumulative lifetime trauma exposure and depressive symptoms were the most consistent correlates of PTSD outcomes, whereas anxiety showed more variable associations. Childhood adversity was weakly associated with PTSD after adjustment for adult trauma exposure and current emotional symptoms. Branch differences in PTSD burden persisted beyond measured individual-level risk. Findings underscore the need for branch-specific, broad-spectrum strategies to support provider well-being during prolonged conflict.