Managing Psychological Consequences in Disaster Populations

This chapter characterizes disasters and discusses the psychological and behavioral responses to disasters. Interventions for best practices to mitigate the psychological consequences of disasters are described. Mental health response must be based on an action plan that effectively utilizes available resources (material, financial, and personnel) and balances individual and community-based approaches for the identification of and intervention with at-risk groups. A public health approach addresses both individual and population care needs and stresses preparation as much as an effective response. This perspective focuses on promoting and maintaining resilience, interventions for those most severely affected, and guidance and assistance for all who experience distress while facilitating effective community leadership.