Abstract
About 60–80% of a population will be exposed to potentially traumatic events. Depending on severity, 5–30% of survivors will suffer from chronic mental health problems following such events. Mental health problems commonly seen subsequent to serious events are posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, anxiety disorder, or substance-related disorder. The most common symptoms in PTSD are recollection of recurring, intrusive memories; avoidance of all reminders of the trauma, and being hyperaroused. Main risk factors for developing PTSD are the seriousness of the event, including threat to life; individual factors such as personality and previous mental health problems; and lack of social support. Societies should plan and prepare for disasters to support survivors effectively thereby – it is hoped – reduce suffering over time. Societal support in the direct aftermath of natural or man-made disasters could be summarized as “psychological first aid,” which means promoting safety and comfort; calming and stabilizing; promoting positive coping, connectedness, social support, and hope; and organizing follow up. For most survivors, reactions will gradually wither. The natural social network – family, friends, and work colleagues – often constitute the best support. For some survivors, the reactions will turn into worsening symptoms and through follow up these individuals should be evaluated for treatment. Primary evidence-based treatment for chronic PTSD is psychotherapy in the form of cognitive behavioural therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
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Johannesson, K.B., Michel, PO., Lundin, T. (2012). Psychological Crisis Support in Major Incidents. In: Lennquist, S. (eds) Medical Response to Major Incidents and Disasters. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-21895-8_17
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-21895-8_17
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