Citation

Weintraub AC, Garcia MG, Birri E, Severy N, Ferir MC, Ali E, Tayler-Smith K, Nadera DP, Van Ommeren M. Int. Health 2016; 8(5): 336-344.

Affiliation

Department of Mental Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/inthealth/ihw032

PMID

27620925

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Severe mental disorders are often neglected following a disaster. Based on Médecins Sans Frontières' (MSF) experience of providing mental health (MH) care after the 2013 typhoon in the Philippines, we describe the monthly volume of MH activities and beneficiaries; characteristics of people seeking MH care; profile and outcomes of people with severe mental disorders; prescription of psychotropic medication; and factors facilitating the identification and management of individuals with severe mental disorders.

METHODS: A retrospective review of programme data was carried out.

RESULTS: In total, 172 persons sought MH care. Numbers peaked three months into MSF's intervention and decreased thereafter. Of 134 (78%) people with complete data, 37 (28%) had a severe mental disorder, often characterised by psychotic symptoms (n=24, 64%) and usually unrelated to the typhoon (n=32, 86%). Four people (11%) were discharged after successful treatment, two (5%) moved out of the area, 20 (54%) were referred for follow-up on cessation of MSF activities and 10 (27%) were lost-to-follow-up. Psychotropic treatment was prescribed for 33 (75%) people with mental disorders and for 11 with non-severe mental disorders.

CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates how actors can play an important role in providing MH care for people with severe mental disorders in the aftermath of a disaster.

© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Language: en