#International trauma center levels series

It appears from these data that despite the magnitude of the catastrophic event and any socio-econimic factors of the population, if not treated, PTSD can be a chronic and highly prevalent disorder among those affected. When considering the trajectory of PSTD over time, Italian studies present a higher average time between event and survey than the international literature, reaching a maximum time interval of 40 years. Some studies have taken into account the presence of somatization symptoms and eating disorders, which are very high even many years after the traumatic events took place. There was also evidence of increased use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis in the post-earthquake period. In addition, significantly higher maladaptive behavioral prevalence rates were found among subjects with PTSD, especially those who were male. Consistent with international studies we found significantly higher symptom levels in adults, children, and women located in the areas closest to the epicenter. Consistent with the international literature, our results indicate that PTSD tends to be the most frequent diagnosis for victims of traumatic events with a finding of PTSD diagnosis in 25.6% of the cases examined on average. We have found a total of twenty Italian studies that take into consideration the consequences of exposure to natural disasters on mental health. Between 80% and 90% of individuals with PTSD have coexisting psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and dissociative disorders), a low quality of life, and a high risk of morbidity for medical problems, unemployment, and relationship instability. It has been found to particularlly affect vulnerable groups, such as children and individuals with histories of mental illness, in areas of high exposure to the traumatic event. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appears to be the most frequent form of mental disorder observed after a catastrophic event. The consequences of traumatic and catastrophic mass events on mental health are indeed well known and documented internationally. To this end we have carried out a brief review of the national literature on the subject and have compared it to international data. In light of these recent earthquakes and the wide range of international literature on the subject, it seems reasonable to quantify, on both a human and material level, the possible consequences these natural disasters have on the mental health of a severely affected population.

#International trauma center levels series

More than a year has passed since the tragic series of earthquakes that hit the Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche, and Umbria regions of central Italy between August, 2016, and January, 2017. Mental Healt After Natural Disasters in Italy The Italian National Trauma Center works to Restore Hope and Human Dignity by making the invisible visible through the collective efforts of the community, the local healthcare system, and national authorities such as the Civil Protection and the Italian Red-Cross. The emotional wounds of these losses and challenges can be devastating and are often invisible. When disaster strikes, citizens can not only loose family members but everything they value such as their buildings, beautiful churches and monasteries, farms, and animals and their businesses as livelihood. This means respect for local cultural norms, gender, age, and the social-economic context of the affected Italian people. The INTC’s holistic approach focuses on bringing wellness again to the body, mind, and spirit of traumatized persons in a culturally sensitive, Italian way. It uses modern scientific methods to help restore the emotional and physical health and well-being of those affected by natural and man-made catastrophes. The INTC is the first of its kind in Italy. The new Italian National Trauma Center (INTC) builds upon this resiliency and supports the person and social resiliency of Italian communities and persons devastated by violence. The resiliency of Italy society and its people is well-known. Italy is a great land that has been plagued throughout history by many natural disasters, both large and small. Natural and man-made disasters can bring great physical and emotional suffering to affected populations and their communities. Health and Mental Health after the Central Italy earthquake