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. 1986 Mar;76(Suppl):76–83. doi: 10.2105/ajph.76.suppl.76

Evaluation of mental effects of disaster, Mount St. Helens eruption.

J H Shore, E L Tatum, W M Vollmer
PMCID: PMC1651694  PMID: 3946730

Abstract

This psychiatric epidemiology study following the Mount St. Helens volcanic disaster revealed a significant morbidity for psychiatric disorders. The increased prevalence showed a dose response pattern in three population groups. The findings are reported as relative and attributable risk for the two exposed populations as compared to a control group. Patterns of significant risk are presented for sex, age, and for victims with pre-existing physical illness. The research utilized a new criteria-based interview schedule for the identification of psychiatric disorders. The methodology is reviewed in the context of the controversies and assumptions within the field of behavioral response to disaster stress. There are important implications for public health planning and intervention.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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