Key PointsQuestionHow is exposure to civil violence (in a war zone or region of terror) associated with the onset or persistence of common mental disorders among civilians in countries that have experienced civil violence since World War II?FindingsIn this survey study including 18 212 respondents in 7 countries, personal exposure to civil violence was associated with a significantly increased risk of onset of diverse mental disorders. These associations persisted for decades but not after termination of hostilities or emigration; associations with disorder persistence were generally nonsignificant.MeaningThese findings suggest that policy makers should recognize the associations between civil violence and mental health outcomes when projecting future treatment needs of civilians.