Terrorism
and Psychological Consequences
The
nation’s public health infrastructure would be ill-prepared
to meet people’s psychological needs after a terrorist attack,
concludes a recent (2003) Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee
report.
“Consequences
would result for many people,” says clinical psychologist
Adrienne Stith Butler, PhD, an IOM program officer and co-editor
of the report, “Preparing for the Psychological Consequences
of Terrorism: A Public Health Strategy,” published by the
National Academy of Sciences in June. “And we’re not
talking solely about psychiatric illness, but the more common
consequences ranging from mild to moderate distress responses
and behavioral changes.”
“The
committee calls for a comprehensive strategy with mental health
issues integrated into a broader public-health model for responding
to terrorism, but we’re not there yet,” says Butler.
“Mental health professionals should be at the table when
policy and planning decisions are made.
The
committee also hopes that in preparing for terrorism, lessons
can be learned and potentially applied to other violent events
that cause fear, anxiety and stress in American communities. To
purchase or download the report, visit www.nap.edu.
December
2003
