Bioterrorism: Psychological and Public Health Interventions

After the sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system in 1995 just 12 people died but more than 5000 sought medical care for possible exposure. Bacteria, viruses, gases and prions can create chaos and disruption on a national and international scale. Moreover, bioterrorism is believed to incur the most devastating psychological sequelae of all disasters and terrorist events. Planning and pre-disaster exercises are essential for preventing panic; allocating resources; preventing transmission of disease; devising effective mental health interventions; providing trustworthy and good quality information; and training in how to handle fear, demoralization, and public loss of confidence in national institutions. Including two CDs showing an international panel of experts discussing and teaching how best to plan for a bioterrorist event, this book is essential reading for mental health professionals, health care providers, public health officials and community leaders involved in preparation, treatment and planning for bioterrorism.