Citation

Ritchie EC, Friedman M, Watson P, Ursano R, Wessely S, Flynn B. Mil. Med. 2004; 169(8): 575-579.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15379065

Abstract

Based on past episodes, there will be psychological sequelae to chemical, biological, and radiological attacks. Some of the psychological morbidity should be able to be ameliorated through planning and appropriate early intervention. Key components of early intervention are illustrated following a hypothetical scenario of a bomb and anthrax threat near the Pentagon. Many of these components, such as monitoring clear, consistent messages about health risks, are provided by physicians or politicians, not mental health providers, but have a serious impact on the mental health of the population. We hope that this scenario and the principles of response will prove useful to planners of emergency preparedness and responders in the case of an actual attack.

Language: en