What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the long-term psychiatric effects of war coverage on journalists, particularly focusing on PTSD and other mental health disorders.

March 4, 2026Open Access

War and the long-term psychiatric health of journalists who cover it

AFAnthony FeinsteinSunnybrook Health Science Centre JMJ MeadUniversity of Tasmania ENElana Newman

Key Points

This research aims to explore the long-term psychiatric effects of war coverage on journalists, particularly focusing on PTSD and other mental health disorders.
Examined lifetime and 12-month prevalence of PTSD, major depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol use disorder among journalists covering wars.
Analyzed journalists from conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions post-9/11.
Assessed the relationship between risk severity of war coverage and prevalence of psychiatric disorders.
Journalists displayed a high lifetime prevalence of PTSD, major depression, any anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder.
12-month prevalence for PTSD and anxiety disorders remained elevated, though slightly lower than lifetime rates.
The severity of risk in war journalism directly correlated with increased PTSD prevalence.

Abstract

Journalists who covered wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere that began after 9/11 have a high lifetime prevalence of PTSD, major depression, any anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder; 12-month prevalence for PTSD and any anxiety disorder remains elevated, albeit less so. War journalism is hazardous, and risk severity predicts PTSD, highlighting the importance of therapy availability.

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