ABSTRACT
W hen radiation disasters are discussed, the tendency is to focus on the potential physical destruction and bodily harm they may cause as well as any long-term health or environmental impacts of such disasters. However, the signi cance of psychological and social eects of such traumatic experiences should not be underestimated. e status of mental and behavioral health can aect, even impair, the capacity to respond to an unfolding disaster and inuence the life and death decisions that may need to be made. Experiencing emotional trauma can also cause serious long-term psychological harm for disaster victims as well as professional responders. At a minimum, awareness of disaster mental health issues is essential for all, especially those participating in disaster response.
