Psychological Reactions and Physical Trauma by Types of Disasters: View from Man-Made Disaster / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

A variety of psychological and physical symptoms may appear in disaster victims. The type of disaster as well as individual factors could affect the pattern and severity of symptoms. Several reports have shown that fire survivors suffered from survivor guilt, re-experience, and fear of fire and burn scars associated with depressive symptoms. Inhalation burns are of special interest because of the possibility of delayed systemic complications. Large traffic accident causes more frequent and severe post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), particularly intrusive thoughts, compared to general road traffic accident. Traumatic brain injury and serious physical injuries could increase the PTSS expression. Considering that tragic collapse accidents occurred mainly as a result of careless construction, anger and mistrust are understandable. Legal disputes and compensation issues can provoke social conflict and prolonged suffering. Understanding the psychological characteristics and responses will be required in order to support the mental health of disaster victims.