Impact of war, religiosity and ideology on PTSD and psychiatric disorders in adolescents from Gaza Strip and South Lebanon

► The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety found in adolescents from Gaza and South Lebanon was markedly high. ► The various types of trauma had differential effects on the psychological distress of adolescents from Gaza Strip and South Lebanon. ► Adolescents who were under great economic hardship were at the highest risk for psychological distress including PTSD, depression and anxiety. ► Contrary to adolescents from South Lebanon, higher levels of religiosity in Gazans evidenced the highest levels of depression and anxiety. ► While ideology was negatively associated with depression and anxiety in Gazans, ideology did not play a role among adolescents from South Lebanon.