Disaster Its impact and Management

‘Disaster is a crisis situation that far exceeds the capabilities’. Disaster include natural and man-made disasters. Be it any disaster, manmade or natural, almost everyone in the population is affected by it. No one is untouched by it. No particular event is guaranteed to result in post-traumatic psychopathology. However, certain factors put individuals at risk and increase their vulnerability to adverse reactions leading to psychiatric disorders in the affected population. The common problems include, acute stress disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, alcohol and drug abuse and aggravation of previous disorders if any. Hence Psychiatrists who become involved in management of disasters, must be knowledgeable, and work in tandem with Government and health care agencies, can play a significant role in planning, preparation for, and response to particular disaster incidents. Psychiatrists can make a major contribution in the field of mental health aspects of disaster.