J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2015 May;54(2):135-141. 10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.2.135.

Mental Health of Disaster Workers

• Lee SH
• Kim SJ
• Sim M
• Yoo SY
• Won SD
• Lee BC

• KMID: 2343894
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.2.135

Abstract

We sought to gain insights on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, the risk and protective factors and the prevention and intervention programs of mental health problems among disaster workers. The prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among disaster workers was higher than that of the general population and lower than that of disaster survivors. They might suffer from various mental health problems and comorbid disorders. Those mental problems could affect not only their physical health but also self-medication, life satisfaction, and job functioning. Heterogeneous and various factors were positively and negatively associated with psychiatric problems. Prevention and intervention programs were summarized for PTSD among disaster workers. Self-help technique 'RESCUE' and cognitive behavior therapy, developed especially for disaster workers was introduced. Future research and directions were suggested.

Keyword

Mental health; Uniformed rescue workers; Disaster; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

MeSH Terms

Cognitive Therapy
Disasters*
Humans
Mental Health*
Prevalence
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Survivors

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