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Access to community-based mental healthcare and psychosocial support within a disaster context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Katherine P O'Hanlon  and
Boris Budosan
Katherine P O'Hanlon
Affiliation:
Maximus, Inc.; ABEM Emergency Physician, email kateohanlon@hotmail.com
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Abstract

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After a large-scale humanitarian disaster, 30–50% of victims develop moderate or severe psychological distress. Rates of mild and moderate mental disorders increase by 5–10% and severe disorders by 1–2%. Those with such disorders need access to mental healthcare. Primary care clinics are appropriate due to their easy accessibility and the non-stigmatising environment. There is a consensus among experts that the mental health effects of disaster are best addressed by existing services, that is, through capacity building rather than by establishing parallel systems. Mental health interventions in emergencies should begin with a clear vision for the long-term advancement of community services.

Type
Special Papers
Information
BJPsych International , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , May 2015 , pp. 44 - 47
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists 2015

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