Loading...
Authors
Editors
Other contributors
Epub Date
Issue Date
2025
Submitted date
Subjects
Alternative
Abstract
India is vulnerable to catastrophic natural events due to its geo-climatic conditions and man-made disasters. There is a need to study the mental health consequences of the disasters and their intervention efforts. A comprehensive literature search was done regarding the mental health of the disaster survivors in India based on the epidemiological and interventional studies from electronic databases and manual searches. Large proportions of disaster survivors in India suffer from diagnosable psychiatric disorders, mostly depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorders. While there are many studies following natural catastrophic events; there are an inadequate number of studies on industrial disasters, mass conflicts, and riots. Prevalence figures of psychiatric disorders have varied depending upon the disaster, exposure and methodology. Many post-disaster interventions have been tried; however the literature about the interventions is not robust. There is a need for studies related to the support for the mental health consequences of disasters in the community and their effectiveness. Culturally appropriate coping activities have been observed amongst the survivors, which need to be explored further as possible intervention methods. Mental health related assessments and interventions need to be prioritised in disaster related support activities and policies. Public education about dealing with disasters, their impact on mental health, self-care and opportunity for professional care are essential. There is a need for an appropriate system to be in place for immediate, short and long term mental health support for the disaster survivors.
Citation
Kar, N. (2025) Disaster mental health in India: a long journey ahead, in Leadership in Indian psychiatry: converting thoughts into practice 1947-2025. Essays in honour of Professor B.S. Chavan. Bengaluru: R. Srinivasa Murthy & Nitin Gupta.
Publisher
Journal
Research Unit
DOI
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Embedded videos
Additional Links
Type
Chapter in book
Language
en
Description
This is a book chapter published in Leadership in Indian psychiatry: converting thoughts into practice 1947-2025. Essays in honour of Professor B.S. Chavan edited by R. Srinivasa Murthy & Nitin Gupta.