Most research into the psychological effects of disasters focuses on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is because PTSD is by far the most common psychological effect. However, some studies have focused on the increase of other disorders, including phobias, in the weeks and months following a disaster.
Hurricane Katrina Survey
The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare performed a survey of mental health professionals in the Katrina disaster zone two years after the storm. According to that survey, anxiety disorders have dramatically increased since Hurricane Katrina.
Three out of five mental health providers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge saw an increase in clients with panic disorder, which is often accompanied by agoraphobia, following the storm. Nearly one third of providers saw an increase in clients with specific phobias.
Somatization Disorder Literature Review
In 2002, a team of researchers from Washington University performed a literature review of psychological studies of people who had been involved in disasters. The research team was searching for evidence of an increase in somatization disorder, which is a psychological disorder that causes sufferers to develop multiple unexplained physical symptoms.
Although the team had difficulty determining the rates of somatization disorder in post-disaster studies, they did find that most studies showed a highly elevated rate of anxiety disorders including phobias.
Psychosocial Consequences of Major Hurricanes and Floods Review
This was one of the most comprehensive study reviews in recent years. Researchers analyzed the results of 57 recent studies on the psychological impacts of disasters.
Their results show that posttraumatic stress disorder and depression are by far the most common psychological effects of disasters. Anxiety disorders are also commonly seen.
Additionally, non-specific disorders and health complaints were common. It is possible that some of these disorders could be symptomatic of health phobias, although this is difficult to determine.
The results show that the majority of people who develop psychological disorders following a disaster experience moderate impairment. Their symptoms may be long-lasting but are not unmanageable.
Risk FactorsThe team was able to identify several risk factors for developing psychological problems following a disaster. These include:
- Losing a Friend or Relative
- Serious Injury to Self or Relative
- Life Endangerment
- Panic or Horror During Disaster
- Separation from Close Family
- Loss of Property
- Displacement From Home
Females were at a higher risk than males, by a nearly two to one ratio. Middle aged adults were at higher risk than those who were either younger or older at the time of the disaster. Ethnic minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to be severely affected, possibility due to fewer resources for recovery efforts.
The Bottom Line
In the wake of a disaster, mental disorders tend to increase within the affected community. PTSD is the most common effect, followed by depression and anxiety disorders. The likelihood of developing a phobia or other disorder is related to several factors, particularly the severity of the victim’s disaster experience.
Sources:Norris, Fran. “Psychosocial Consequences of Major Hurricanes and Floods: Range, Duration, and Magnitude of Effects and Risk Factors for Adverse Outcomes.” National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet. March 13, 2008. http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_range_hurricane.html?opm=1&rr=rr141&srt=d&echorr=true
North, Carol. “Somatization in Survivors of Catastrophic Trauma: A Methodological Review.” Environmental Health Perspectives. August 2002. 110:S4. March 13, 2008. http://www.ehponline.org/members/2002/suppl-4/637-640north/north-full.html
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. Two Years After Katrina: A Survey of Mental Health and Addiction Providers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. March 13, 2008. http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/galleries/press-files/Summary%20of%20Survey%20Findings.pdf
