Alcohol use disorder due to social isolation after a nuclear disaster in Fukushima

Abstract

SUMMARYIt is well-known that a nuclear disaster causes health problems including cancer, however, information on mental disorders linked to a nuclear disaster is limited. On 11 March 2011, there was a serious nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima, Japan. Subsequently, in October 2012, a 78-year-old man living 31 km from the plant was admitted to the hospital with head trauma. This was his third physical trauma since the nuclear accident. A thorough interview revealed that his alcohol intake had increased after the disaster, suggesting that his injuries might be related to alcohol use. The diagnosis of alcohol use disorder was established based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He had been exposed to social isolation after evacuation of his neighbourhood. Using education and intervention, he was successfully treated. We should recognise that a nuclear disaster might cause social isolation among the elderly, leading to mental disorders and alcohol use disorder. Early diagnosis and intervention might be beneficial for individuals presenting the above symptoms. CASE PRESENTATIONIn the last few decades, the construction of nuclear power plants has increased around the world, 1 resulting in greater risk of nuclear accidents owing to human errors, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. A nuclear disaster can cause various health problems including leukaemia 2 and thyroid cancer 3 among children. A recent study suggests that a nuclear disaster might worsen chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidaemia as a result of adopting an inactive, indoor lifestyle in an attempt to reduce outdoor radiation exposures. 4 In addition, it may cause mental problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to physical problems.5 However, information on the longterm impact of a nuclear disaster on mental status is limited. On 11 March 2011, eastern Japan was struck by multiple disasters comprising of an earthquake and a tsunami, followed by a nuclear power plant accident. Widespread radioactive contamination caused by the nuclear disaster affected the local community of Minamisoma City in Fukushima in particular, as it is located 10-30 km north of the damaged nuclear power plants. 8 The government of Japan ordered mandatory evacuation in the area within 20 km radius of the plant. This was done as a precaution against health problems for evacuees.9 In contrast, support was relatively limited to those residents who lived outside of the evacuation area, and there is little information on their subsequent health problems. We report a case of an elderly man who lived outside of the evacuation area, whose alcohol use disorder was exacerbated after the accident.In October 2012, a 78-year-old man with a history of hypertension and dyslipidemia, and living in Minamisoma City, presented with head trauma to our hospital. The patient had lost his wife 5 years earlier and lived with his 53-year-old daughter. Prior to the disaster, he visited our hospital regularly for the...

Trajectories of alcohol consumption in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

“…Lower levels of social support were also associated with moderate drinking. Social isolation may lead to the development of mental disorders and AUDs and drinking may be used to mitigate loneliness . Whether social isolation may lead to increased drinking, there is evidence that drinking is often used to mitigate loneliness, and whether there exists a reciprocal relationship requires further study.…”

Efficacy of group intervention involving physical activity on subjective well‐being of elderly returnees after evacuation following the Great East Japan Earthquake

“…A possible reason for this was the presence of the specific situation of the study site. A consequence of the nuclear accident was the disruption of social cohesion . In addition, participants had just returned to their hometowns after a long‐term evacuation.…”

“…A consequence of the nuclear accident was the disruption of social cohesion. 31,32 In addition, participants had just returned to their hometowns after a long-term evacuation. Therefore, it might have been difficult to maintain SWB under such circumstances.…”

Effect of Two month Intervention to Improve Physical Activity of Evacuees in Temporary Housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Pilot Study

“…One consequence of the disaster was that it caused a break of social linkages, which may trigger health issues in survivors [9,10]. Tsubokura points out the possibility that financial difficulties also might cause health deterioration after the GEJE [11].…”