Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: An Important Concern in Post-tsunami Crisis

Sir,

The post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is an important psychological disorder occurring after the big crisis. In the past decade, there were many huge tsunami crises attacking several countries around the world. The concern on the PTSD is required. Indeed, this problem is very complex depending on many factors. Pyari et al.[1] noted that “there is an association of pre-disaster, within-disaster, and post-disaster factors with PTSD.” There are many presentations including panic, bad dream with insomnia, hydrophobia, sonophobia, and palpitations.[2] Around 17% of tsunami survivors are reported to manifest those symptoms.[2] For sure, the bad impression will be mapped in the survivors’ mind for years.[3] It is needed to screen the survivor for the mental problem.[4] Not only the basic psychological examination but also new biomarkers such as salivary cortisol level can be useful monitoring tools.[5] Also, the specific mental care unit is required for managing the problem.[3] Last but not least, the pre-crisis plan is very important. In disaster preparedness, the plan to manage PTSD must be included.[6]