Domestic terrorism with chemical or biological agents: psychiatric aspects.
OBJECTIVE
This article highlights the mental health consequences of a domestic terrorist incident involving chemical or biological weapons.


METHODS
The author reviews the literature on the neuropsychiatric effects of selected chemical and biological weapon agents, on the psychological sequelae of mass disasters, and on approaches to crisis intervention.


RESULTS
Disturbances of behavior, affect, and cognition can result directly from the pharmacological actions of some chemical and biological weapon agents. In addition, an incident involving these agents can have considerable psychological effects on individuals and the community. In either case, some disorders are acute and others are prolonged or delayed in onset. Effective therapeutic intervention involves a broad range of clinical, social, and administrative actions.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatrists have an important role in the management of a chemical or biological terrorist incident and, along with their other medical colleagues, should train and prepare for it.
DiGiovanni
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Department of Neurology, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889-5000, USA. cdig@july.dgsys.com
D001694:Biological Warfare / Q000523:psychology*; D002618:Chemical Warfare / Q000523:psychology*; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000379:methods; D004189:Disaster Planning; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000523:psychology; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*