Terrorism and Disaster: Individual and Community Mental Health Interventions

This new book follows on from Ursano et al.’s earlier title Individual and Community Responses to Trauma and Disaster to expand the focus on terrorism as a particular type of disaster. There is widespread belief amongst professionals that terrorism (and torture) produce the highest rates of psychiatric sequelae of all the types of disaster. The traumatic effects of terrorism are also not limited to the direct victims only; they extend to families, helpers, communities and even regions far from the affected site. The editors have assembled the world’s experts to examine the effects of terrorism, assessing lessons learned from recent atrocities such as 9/11, the Tokyo sarin attack, Omagh, et cetera. They look at issues of prevention, individual and organizational intervention, the effect of leadership, the effects of technological disasters and bioterrorism/contamination. This is essential reading for all professionals working in trauma and disaster planning.

• Cutting-edge, expert account of the lessons learned from the most recent terrorist attacks • Looks at prevention, intervention, the impact of leadership and the effects of contamination • Examines the similarities and the differences between the effects of different types of disaster

Introduction: trauma, terrorism and disaster Carol S. Fullerton, Robert J. Ursano, Ann E. Norwood and Harry H. Holloway; Part I. Terrorism: National and International: 1. September 11, 2001, and its aftermath in New York City John M. Oldham; 2. Leadership in the wake of disaster Prudence Bushnell; 3. The children of Oklahoma City Betty Pfefferbaum; 4. Individual and organizational interventions after terrorism: September 11th and the USS Cole Thomas A. Grieger, Ralph E. Bally, John L. Lyszczarz, John S. Kennedy, Benjamin T. Griffeth and James J. Reeves; Part II. Interventions in Disaster and Terrorism: 5. Applications from previous disaster research to guide mental health interventions after September 11th Carol S. North and Elizabeth T. Westerhaus; 6. A consultation-liaison psychiatry approach to disaster/terrorism victim assessment and management James R. Rundell; 7. The role of screening in the prevention of psychological disorders arising after major traumas: pros and cons Simon Wessely; 8. Early interventions and the debriefing debate Beverley Raphael; 9. Clinical interventions for survivors of prolonged adversities Arieh Y. Shalev et al.; 10. Collaborative care for injured victims of individual and mass trauma: a health services research approach to developing early interventions Douglas Zatzick; Part III. The Intersection of Disasters and Terrorism: Effects of Contamination on Individuals: 11. Responses of individuals and groups to consequences of technological disasters and radiation exposure Lars Weisæth and Arnfinn Tønnessen; 12. Psychological effects of contamination: radioactivity, industrial toxins and bioterrorism Jacob D. Lindy, Mary C. Grace and Bonnie L. Green; 13. Relocation stress following catastrophic events Ellen T. Gerrity and Peter Steinglass; 14. Population-based health care: a model for restoring community health and productivity following terrorist attack Charles C. Engel, Ambereen Jaffer, Joyce Adkins, Vivian Sheliga, David Cowan and Wayne J. Katon; 15. Traumatic death in terrorism and disasters: the effects of posttraumatic stress and behavior Robert J. Ursano, James E. McCarroll and Carol S. Fullerton; 16. Conclusion: terrorism and disasters: prevention, intervention and recovery Robert J. Ursano, Carol S. Fullerton and Ann E. Norwood; Index.

‘Comprehensive, scholarly, gripping reading. This is a SUPERB book. This volume is the most comprehensive, scholarly and well-done book covering the entire range of traumata and disasters … Material never before presented in such a readable and definitive form.’ Margaret T. Singer

‘A sterling compilation of authors and researches … this book will establish a new gold standard for mental health responses to traumatic effects.’ Terence Keane

‘By bridging social and medical sciences Individual and Community Responses to Terrorism and Disaster will appeal to a wide multidisciplinary readership and it can be recommended as a valuable resource.’ British Medical Journal

‘I read this book with much pleasure. It is a real addition to the existiing literature ... thoughtful ... state of the art ... both a handbook and a practical guide …’. Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD, Former President, International Traumatic Stress Society

‘A valuable and creative stimulus to our knowledge of the human chaos that occurs when individuals and communities are exposed to horrific and life-threatening situations. This work makes a unique contribution in its integration of disaster, war and other studies.’ From the Foreword by Professor Beverley Raphael

‘Terrorism and Disaster provides practical direction in an area with many unanswered questions.’ The Lancet

\'A textbook such as this is well timed and will provide a useful source of information for any mental health professional involved in the response to traumatic situations.\' Psychological Medicine