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Cyclone ‘78 in Sri Lanka—The Mental Health Trail

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

V. Patrick  and
W. K. Patrick
V. Patrick
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
W. K. Patrick
Affiliation:
Health Education Bureau, Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Summary

A longitudinal study of psychological disturbance in the affected population in Sri Lanka after the cyclone disaster of 1978 was carried out. The post-cyclonic stress identified among the rural communities after their return to the same destroyed environment was studied. Symptoms tended to be early or delayed in appearance. The degree of unpreparedness is postulated as the cause of the former. Group cohesiveness and feelings of community tended to delay the manifestation of symptoms. Realization of losses, family needs, and continued habitation in damaged homes acted as reminders and reinforcers. Morbidity continued to affect over half the population one year later. Early intervention within community settings after such disasters is recommended.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 138 , Issue 3 , March 1981 , pp. 210 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1981 

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