The Restoration of Mental Function Following Severe Stress: The Role of Pathogenetic Factors in Rehabilitation Program Design

Introduction. Prolonged exposure to the extreme stressors associated with participation in a special military operation can precipitate the development of a wide spectrum of mental disorders, which are characterized by significant comorbidity. This necessitates the development of pathogenetically-grounded rehabilitation programs aimed at improving clinical status and enhancing the quality of life of affected individuals. The aim of this review is to systematize and analyze contemporary scientific evidence to inform the development of comprehensive rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to mitigate mental disorders and their comorbid manifestations that are pathogenetically linked to involvement in a special military operation, taking into account the developmental trajectory of these conditions. Materials and methods. The research methodology comprised a theoretical analysis of scientific publications from 2006 to 2025, sourced from the electronic databases CyberLeninka, eLibrary, and PubMed, and based on a total of 59 references (29 domestic and 30 international). Key focus areas for subsequent clinical research were identified. The review's findings are formulated on the basis of the aforementioned documentary data. Results. This study has systematised the key pathogenetic mechanisms underlying stress-induced mental disorders and delineated the patterns of their interplay. Comprehensive rehabilitation programmes have been proposed; these integrate psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological methods for treatment and correction, aimed at alleviating existing disorders and preventing the potential development of mental health conditions. Discussion and conclusion. The pathogenesis of a substantial proportion of mental disorders arising from exposure to severe stress is underpinned by significant psychogenic trauma, immune system dysregulation, and disruptions in neurotransmitter metabolism, which collectively lead to a disintegration of the body's functional systems. The timely application of a combined therapeutic approach, incorporating psychotherapeutic interventions – specifically cognitive-behavioural therapy – and psychopharmacotherapy, with an emphasis on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, exerts a substantial influence on the clinical course and prognosis of these disorders. Further research in this field is imperative for the development of more effective and personalised rehabilitation strategies for individuals who have experienced severe stress.