Use of Mental Health Services Among Disaster Survivors
Use of Mental Health Services Among Disaster Survivors
Purpose of Review: A sizable proportion of individuals following a disaster develop mental health problems. The consequences of these disorders can be long lasting. Only recently has research focused on mental health service delivery following disasters. This review examines the rates, predictors, and barriers to mental health service utilization following a disaster.
Recent Findings: Most of the data on mental health service delivery come from three sources: a fireworks disaster in The Netherlands, the September 11, 2001, attack on New York City, and hurricane Katrina. Most survivors of disasters are reluctant to utilize mental health services and face barriers to accessing care. Even among disaster victims who are severely mentally ill, only a minority receive treatment. Among those who do receive assistance, more than half drop out shortly thereafter. Mental health service utilization following a disaster is influenced by a set of predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and perceived need. The model for mental healthcare delivery following a disaster that has gained acceptance is Psychological First Aid.
Summary: Research is evolving on mental health service utilization. It is limited however to developed countries, although most disasters occur in developing countries. More research is needed, particularly among populations with scarce resources.
Although most individuals following a disaster do not develop psychiatric problems, a sizable proportion do. Among those who develop emotional and psychiatric disorders, the consequences can be lasting. Disasters that should have minimal consequence for mental health on the population level other than transient stress reactions are those where injury and death are rare, property destruction does not outstrip community resources, when social support systems remain intact, and the event does not take on more symbolic meaning. Although rare, some disasters do result in severe, lasting and pervasive psychological consequences. Such disasters are characterized by extreme and widespread property damage, resulting in ongoing financial problems for the community, are frequently caused by human intent rather than by a natural event, and there is a high prevalence of injuries, threat to life and loss of life. Delivery of mental health services in such situations is a challenge. Numerous studies have been conducted on disasters, investigating their mental health consequences. Few studies have actually examined postdisaster mental health services (MHS) utilization.
Purpose of Review: A sizable proportion of individuals following a disaster develop mental health problems. The consequences of these disorders can be long lasting. Only recently has research focused on mental health service delivery following disasters. This review examines the rates, predictors, and barriers to mental health service utilization following a disaster.
Recent Findings: Most of the data on mental health service delivery come from three sources: a fireworks disaster in The Netherlands, the September 11, 2001, attack on New York City, and hurricane Katrina. Most survivors of disasters are reluctant to utilize mental health services and face barriers to accessing care. Even among disaster victims who are severely mentally ill, only a minority receive treatment. Among those who do receive assistance, more than half drop out shortly thereafter. Mental health service utilization following a disaster is influenced by a set of predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and perceived need. The model for mental healthcare delivery following a disaster that has gained acceptance is Psychological First Aid.
Summary: Research is evolving on mental health service utilization. It is limited however to developed countries, although most disasters occur in developing countries. More research is needed, particularly among populations with scarce resources.
Although most individuals following a disaster do not develop psychiatric problems, a sizable proportion do. Among those who develop emotional and psychiatric disorders, the consequences can be lasting. Disasters that should have minimal consequence for mental health on the population level other than transient stress reactions are those where injury and death are rare, property destruction does not outstrip community resources, when social support systems remain intact, and the event does not take on more symbolic meaning. Although rare, some disasters do result in severe, lasting and pervasive psychological consequences. Such disasters are characterized by extreme and widespread property damage, resulting in ongoing financial problems for the community, are frequently caused by human intent rather than by a natural event, and there is a high prevalence of injuries, threat to life and loss of life. Delivery of mental health services in such situations is a challenge. Numerous studies have been conducted on disasters, investigating their mental health consequences. Few studies have actually examined postdisaster mental health services (MHS) utilization.
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