One in 10 Israelis misuse sedatives in wake of October 7, study finds

Maccabi Healthcare Services has reported a dramatic surge in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnoses among children, with figures escalating significantly in recent years. Between 2016 and 2022,the health association recorded an average of 126 PTSD diagnoses annually for this demographic. This number saw a sharp increase to 500 in 2023 and further rose to 526 in 2024, resulting in an average of 513 yearly diagnoses over those two years. The upward trend shows no signs of abating, as Maccabi has already documented approximately 170 diagnoses in the first quarter of 2025.

Dr. Yehuda Tanuri-Liman,deputy director of the Mental Health Division at Maccabi healthcare Services,highlighted the profound impact of ongoing stressors on these young individuals. “These are children still grappling with intense experiences of loss, displacement, existential fear, and ongoing stress, some of whom have been exposed to this for nearly two years straight,” he stated.

Dr. Tanuri-Liman emphasized the critical need for timely intervention, warning that “The longer their distress goes untreated, the higher the risk of long-term emotional, social, and academic consequences.” He further elaborated on the observable effects, noting, “We’re seeing it on the ground: more children in emotional distress who are struggling with daily functioning, more absences from school, more avoidance of social interactions, and more parents feeling helpless in the face of their children’s difficulties.”