The British Journal of Psychiatry 138: 210-216 (1981)
© 1981 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Cyclone '78 in Sri Lanka--the mental health trail
V Patrick and WK Patrick
A longitudinal study of psychological disturbance in the affected
population in Sri Lanka after the cyclone disaster of 1978 was carried out.
The post-cyclonic stress identified among the rural communities after their
return to the same destroyed environment was studied. Symptoms tended to be
early or delayed in appearance. The degree of unpreparedness is postulated
as the causes of the former. Group cohesiveness and feelings of community
tended to delay the manifestation of symptoms. Realization of losses,
family needs, and continued habitation in damaged homes acted as reminders
and reinforcers. Morbidity continued to affect over half the population one
year later. Early intervention within community settings after such
disasters is recommended.
