2011 JOPLIN, MISSOURI TORNADO EXPERIENCE, MENTAL HEALTH REACTIONS, AND SERVICE UTILIZATION: CROSS-SECTIONAL ASSESSMENTS AT APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AND 2.5 YEARS POST-EVENT

Via The Guardian of Public Health

In PLoS Currents-Disasters, researchers examined the mental health effects following the tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011.  They performed two surveys, one six months post disaster and a second 2.5 years post disaster.  ​

Both surveys evaluated the participant's experience with the tornado, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and mental health system utilization.  The research showed the instance of depression was higher at six months than at 2.5 years and instances of post-traumatic stress disorder was higher at 2.5 years.  Mental health utilization was low throughout both time periods.  The authors suggest greater monitoring of mental health and referral of services following a major disaster.  Read More>>

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