Mental health issues in disasters and terrorist attacks.
Recent events make clear that those living in the United States are at risk of exposure to a variety of potentially traumatic events, ranging from sniper and terrorist attacks to a variety of natural disasters. This paper provides a broad overview of the most common psychological reactions that can be expected in the aftermath of such events, how primary care practitioners can identify such reactions in their patients, and actions those practitioners might take.
Schlenger
William E
WE
Center for Risk Behavior and Mental Health Research, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, USA. bs@rti.org
Jernigan
Nancy E
NE
D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D023481:Terrorism / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology