Terrorism mental health and

The intentional use or threatened use of biological, chemical and radiological agents has proven effective in coercing and intimidating populations. One review of available literature on biological, chemical and radiological terrorism identified several terrorist aims (1)  

Based on historical observations, mass sociogenic illness might follow a real or threatened terrorist event involving chemical, biological or radiologic materials (3). Shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, minor events were sufficient to cause mass anxiety. On September 29,18 days after the World Trade Center attack, paint fumes at a middle school in Washington State, 

Melnick (ed.), Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Terrorism. Springer 2008 

000 miles from New York, created a terrorism scare. As a result, 16 students and one teacher went to a local hospital for evaluation (3). A few days later, on October 

000 stndents in Manila, Philippines, overwhelmed local clinics complaining of npper respiratory symptoms following a rumor about bioterrorism (3). Within another week, 35 people suddenly developed nausea, headaches and sore throats after a man sprayed an unknown substance into a snbway station in Maryland. Evalnation of the snbstance revealed window-cleaning solntion (3). 

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By brainstorming about potential disaster scenarios and the scope of resources anticipated to be needed under each scenario, the intensity and duration of the mental health response can also be anticipated. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2004) has developed a population exposure model that planners can use to estimate the psychological impact of mass violence and terrorism and, therefore, the resources that might he needed. The model s underlying principle is that individuals who are most personally, physically, and psychologically exposed to trauma and the disaster scene are likely to he affected the most (Figure 5.1). 

Go back to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Web site at www.centerforthestudy-oftraumaticstress.org and click on Terrorism Preparedness. Then click on the New Normal. What is Secondary Traumatization and who may be affected When should children be referred to a pediatrician or mental health specialist ... 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2004). Mental health response to mass violence and terrorism A training manual (DHHSPub. No. SMA 3959). Rockville, MD Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. 

Soon after these events, the deluge of patient calls to family physicians following the anthrax attacks in October 2001, mostly from the nnexposed yet anxions patients, illnstrated the critical role primary care physicians play in responding to patient anxieties regarding terrorism, real and imagined. This chapter discnsses the epidemiology of mental health conditions subsequent to terrorist events, followed by treatment and prevention recommendations for primary care physicians. 

The committee is concerned about several areas of the psychological response to chemical or biological terrorism. Among these areas of concern are the training of mental health professionals, methods for screening victims, and communication to the general public. Therefore, the committee has identified the following research and... 

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