Addressing the mental health consequences of the Japan triple catastrophe.

As E. Bromet points out, the current situation in Japan is the result of a triplet of catastrophes. The initial catastrophe, the earthquake itself, caused a certain amount of damage to buildings, but accounted for less than 10% of deaths. The second catastrophe of the tsunami swept away seashore areas and resulted in tremendous loss of life and property. The third and ongoing catastrophe, the nuclear power plant accident, will probably result in only minimal actual harm to physical health. However, it is definitely this last man-made catastrophe which will result in the longest-lasting damage to mental and public health. The whole world has vicariously been exposed to this distress. Phenomena reported in Three Mile Island and Chernobyl are already being observed in our country. We have seen confusing and contradictory information from authorities, inconsistent media reports, excessive reaction to risks, and distrust of the government. People are forced to evacuate and mental health infrastructures are lost. Exaggerated rumors of risk are harming the economy, people’s mental health, and even human rights in the affected regions. We predict that somatic complaints, anxiety, post-traumatic Addressing the mental health consequences of the Japan triple catastrophe COMMENT