J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2015 Aug;54(3):261-268. 10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.3.261.

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

• Lee DY
• Na J
• Sim M

• KMID: 2035958
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.3.261

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.

Keyword

Disaster; Trauma; Post traumatic stress disorder; PTSD

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Traffic
Anger
Brain Injuries
Burns
Burns, Inhalation
Cicatrix
Compensation and Redress
Depression
Disaster Victims
Disasters*
Dissent and Disputes
Fires
Guilt
Humans
Mental Health
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Survivors

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