Health consequences of SED injustice: Why former victims suffer

Health consequences of SED injustice: Why former victims suffer

Mental disorders, health problems and social relevance are central topics in current research on the long-term consequences of SED injustice. A comprehensive study, carried out at university hospitals in Jena, Leipzig, Magdeburg and Rostock, has found significant differences in the health status of former youth center residents and politically imprisoned people compared to the general population. How MDR reported, these individuals often suffer from a higher frequency of mental disorders and physical illnesses, including cardiovascular problems and pain syndromes.

Research shows that victims of decomposition who were affected by the constant surveillance and state repression of the GDR have an increased tendency to inflammation. This tendency could be an indicator of more common health complaints that have developed over decades. The affected victims predominantly report bad experiences, which lead to a feeling of questioning both in the counseling context and in legal assessments by administrative authorities. Prof. Dr. Bernhard Strauss emphasizes that many victims have the feeling that they are not believed.

Social responsibility for reappraisal

Coming to terms with the injustice committed in the GDR, particularly by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) and the Ministry for State Security (MfS), remains a social obligation. After more than 30 years of German unity, an objective view of these issues is essential. Many of those affected are currently reaching retirement age and are dealing more intensively with their past. An initiative by the last federal government called for a simplification of the recognition of traumatic stress for GDR victims.

The German Bundestag's document 19/10613 calls for a competence center that focuses on the assessment and treatment of long-term consequences. The Bundestag approved around 2.4 million euros for a three-year health assessment project that started in July 2021. Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2024, the four university hospitals will work on twelve research topics that aim to improve therapeutic care for SED victims.

In-depth research and insights

As part of this research, various sub-projects were carried out. Among other things, a project in Jena examined organized violence in the GDR, including interviews with therapists and those affected. The psychosocial consequences of structural violence are well documented. A comparison between victims of decomposition and non-traumatized former GDR citizens revealed clear differences in the burden of illness, which, shockingly 35 years after reunification, reveal a wide range of psychological and physical complaints.

In Rostock it was also proven that the prevalence rate for mental disorders is significantly higher among victims of decomposition. Studies of former GDR competitive athletes found that 98% of athletes were diagnosed with at least one mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders being common. These high numbers illustrate the relevance of medical and psychotherapeutic care for these groups and the existence of a great deal of ignorance in professional areas about how to deal with those affected by injustice.

The results of these studies illustrate the urgent need to further address the long-term consequences of the SED injustice in order to give those affected the recognition and support they need.