Academician of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, psychology professor Vitalii Lunyov refuted the scandalous accusation of the new Slovak PM, Robert Fico, who publicly stated on January 23 that there is supposedly "no war" in Kyiv and the residents live "absolutely normally".
Lunyov condemned Fico's baseless and provocative statements
According to Lunyov, Fico's scandalous statement, which he made at a press conference in Slovakia, is evocative and groundless.
It will be recalled that Fico's statement that no impact of the war is felt on the residents of Ukraine was made on the day of massive Russian missile attacks on Kyiv, Kharkiv and Pavlograd.
The scientist noted that today, all Ukrainians are in the war narrative in one way or another.
Therefore, the study of the impact of artillery and missile attacks on the psyche of the population of our country is particularly relevant since even periodic attacks create an atmosphere of constant danger.
The academician also considered in detail the neuropsychological mechanisms that are involved under such conditions and affect the state of human health:
Stress leads to the release of cortisol and adrenaline — hormones that prepare the body for "fight or run". Their long-term increase can have a negative effect on health, contributing to sleep, the immune system and emotional well-being, Lunyov explains.
The scientist emphasised that one of the critical elements of the reaction to a threat is the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in fear and emotional regulation.
During prolonged threats, the amygdala can become overactive, increasing feelings of anxiety and fear.
Such hyperactivation can lead to the development of anxiety disorders or even PTSD.
In addition, under the influence of stress, a person also undergoes cognitive changes, which can cause a decrease in concentration, attention, and decision-making efficiency, as well as cause impulsive behaviour.
In analysing the impact of long-term threats on the psyche and brain, it is also essential to consider the changes occurring in the neural networks responsible for developing and maintaining the effect of fear. These changes are formed through a process known as learning and the individual's response to external danger signals.
According to Lunyov, in modern neuropsychological models of PTSD, two main pathological types of response to external threats are distinguished:
1. Overactive detection of threats: the process is characterised by increased attention and sensitivity to potential dangers. This may involve constantly scanning the environment for signs of danger, leading to constant vigilance and tension.
2. Incomplete and delayed extinction of fear: the phenomenon is characterised by difficulties understanding and accepting signals that previously indicated danger is no longer threatening. Such a reaction can lead to a prolonged experience of fear even after the disappearance of the real threat.
Such a combination of neural changes increases the complexity of human adaptation to environmental conditions, especially in the context of constant danger.
Lunyov emphasised another critical aspect: the influence on the network of the passive mode of the brain, which is responsible for thoughts that are not directed to specific tasks or actions.
It is activated when we are not busy with specific matters.
Studies have shown that in people during long-term psychological stress, there are disturbances in the functioning of this network, which leads to problems with self-control, planning and management of one's thoughts.
These observations are important for understanding conditions such as depression and PTSD, where people get "stuck" in negative thoughts and have poor control over their emotional state. People with these disorders have difficulty getting out of a state of constant thinking about the past or potential threats, and why they have difficulty concentrating on the "here and now" or planning for the future, Lunyov notes.
Thus, it can be concluded that exposure to a long-term threat to a person causes profound structural and functional changes in the brain that affect his overall ability to interact with the surrounding world effectively.
What is known about Fico's scandalous statement
On January 23, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held a press conference in Slovakia, during which he stated that "life is absolutely normal" in Kyiv despite the war and shelling.
This is how he answered why he would not go to Kyiv for a meeting with his Ukrainian colleague but would hold it in Uzhhorod.
Fico's statement echoed a recent massive Russian missile attack on Kyiv, Kharkiv and Pavlograd.
In particular, eight people died in Kharkiv, among them an 8-year-old girl and her mother. Over 60 people were injured.
A woman died in Pavlograd of the Dnipropetrovsk region. 22 people were injured in Kyiv.
Four victims in the region. Three people died in Kherson and the village of Sablukivka.
On Wednesday, January 24, Fico met with Ukraine's Prime Minister of Ukraine in Uzhhorod.
