title: Psychological intervention for victims and helpers after disasters.
abstract: Disasters can have long term and damaging effects on survivors. In addition, those who are involved in disaster work, such as rescue and medical personnel, may become hidden victims. Different kinds of psychological assistance can be provided but this must be systematic and well organized. Professional help should supplement and facilitate community, personal and social resources rather than supplant them. This paper provides guidelines for providing such help.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, University of Aberdeen Medical School.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D004190:Disasters; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013534:Survival / Q000523:psychology*