Introduction: The purpose is to explore the consequences of war and its impact on mental health with attention to the Mediterranean area.
Methods: Narrative review of consequences of war on mental health and on the mental health of the communities in the current crises in the Mediterranean region.
Results: A series of outbreaks of war are still raging in the Mediterranean region and producing horrible effects with a considerable number of refugees with unsatisfied needs. Studies relating to conflicts of the past suggest that the mental health consequences of these wars may affect future generations for many years. While violations of human rights are not new, what is new are attacks on medical institutions perceived to be traditionally Western.
Conclusion: The scientific community has to fight violence through mediation of conflicts. The idea that science can improve lives is a concept that is found in the history of all Mediterranean cultures. The Greek and Roman medical tradition was saved thanks to doctors of the Arab courts when Christian fundamentalism fought science in the Middle Ages. Health institutions are the product of the great Islamic medical tradition as well as Western culture.
Keywords: Mediterranean; War; conflict; history of medicine; mental health; refugees.
© The Author(s) 2014.