Recorded presentation

Dori B. Reissman, MD, MPH, Senior Advisor for Disaster, Terrorism, and Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-4241, DReissman@cdc.gov

The psychological dimension of medical responses to terrorism encompasses prevention, responses to actual events and post-event issues that challenge our public health and mental health systems. This session will address the interface between medical and behavioral responses to terrorism, which require integrated mental health and public health interventions and treatment strategies. Medical response to terrorism that causes injury, and infection, requires consideration of preventive medicine perspectives addressing pre, during and post event needs. Epidemics, whether naturally occurring such as SARS or caused by terrorism, highlight the need for consideration of behavioral effects and needs. In any new infectious outbreak by a new agent, the only available interventions are behavioral until new knowledge related to vaccination and treatment can be developed. In the face of fears of contamination, multiple unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) may be the presentation of distress in the outpatient and emergency setting. Health education and risk communication can help prevent surge and strengthen the public health response in both the medical and mental health arena. In addition, physiological responses to chronic stress can increase the risk of disease within the population. Management of MUPS and awareness of the link between chronic stress brought about by terrorism and its impact on existing or emerging medical conditions requires education of primary care providers, collaboration with mental health specialists and appropriate risk communication by community leaders.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand scope and significance of medical responses to terrorism for mental health and public health system. Identify behavioral interventions that can prevent, mitigate and foster recovery from terrorism-related injury, infection and exposure to toxins.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation