[Psychosocial treatment of psychological post trauma in post-conflict countries].

Violence and armed conflict situations besetting numerous developing countries inflict a heavy toll on populations, especially in terms of posttraumatic mental disorders. In addition to upsetting the well-being and psychic balance of people, violent political instability prevents development of the country as a whole not only economically but also individually and socially. After being confronted with this reality for years, humanitarian workers have implemented actions aimed at treating and helping traumatized people to recover their mental health as a first step to achieving effective and durable development. However, despite the availability of effective low-cost treatment for post-traumatic mental disorders, officials in developing countries as well as in international organizations continue to ignore or neglect this crucial issue. This article is based on a study carried out by "Crisis prevention and post-conflict unit" of the Agence Française de Développement. The purpose is to underline the need and describe available methods for management of post-traumatic stress disorders in populations of post-conflict countries, as prerequisite for sustainable reconstruction and development.