JAMA Commentary Discusses Effects of Natural, Manmade Disasters on Mental Health Worldwide

"Natural and Manmade Disasters and Mental Health," Journal of the American Medical Association: In the commentary, David Satcher, former U.S. surgeon general and commissioner of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, and Sharon Friel and Ruth Bell, members of the Commission Secretariat, discuss the effects of natural and manmade disasters on mental health during a time of global climate change, aging populations, worsening social problems and civil unrest. The authors also discuss the need for more research and action in strategies that promote mental health resilience and prevent mental illness. The authors cite a study that found 39% of Hurricane Katrina evacuees experienced moderate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and 24% experienced severe symptoms. They write that data from the study indicate that similar long-term conditions should be expected among survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Satcher et al., JAMA, 12/5).