Social and Mental Health Impact of Nuclear Disaster in Survivors: A Narrative Review

Abstract

This narrative review synthesizes the literature on the psychological consequences of the Three Mile Island nuclear accident of 1979, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986, and the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011. A search was conducted on OVID for studies in English from 1966 to 2020. Fifty-nine studies were included. Living through a nuclear disaster is associated with higher levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Decontamination workers, those living in closest proximity to the reactor, and evacuees experience higher rates of mental health problems after a nuclear disaster. Those with greater psychological resilience and social supports experience lower rates of psychological distress. Individual-level interventions, such as mindfulness training, behavioral activation, and cognitive reappraisal training, have shown modest benefits on improving psychological wellbeing. At the population level, many of the measures in place aimed at reducing exposure to radiation actually increase individuals’ anxiety. Technology-based supports have been studied in other types of natural disasters and it may be beneficial to look at mobile-based interventions for future nuclear disasters.

Mental health and psychosocial consequences linked to radiation emergencies—increasingly recognised concerns

“…In addition, food and water supply was a concern especially for mothers of young children [6]. In comparative studies between the accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima, it has not been possible to identify any major differences in terms of mental health consequences [3,10], but following the Chernobyl accident, studies show that mental health impairment, e.g. depression and post-traumatic stress still persist elevated two decades later [11,12].…”

“…After experiencing a nuclear disaster, the most common mental health disorders reported are PTSD, anxiety and depression [10]. PTSD can occur as a delayed or prolonged reaction to a traumatic event or situation of exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature.…”

“…Various variables can increase or reduce the risk of deteriorating health in connection with major accidents. Studies have revealed that severe PTSD symptoms were, in addition to pre-existing chronic physical and mental illnesses, also associated with factors such as anxiety about livelihoods, lost jobs and social ties, damage to the home, loss of someone close due to the disaster, and concerns of compensation [10,20,21]. Those having other psychological risk factors such as social isolation, or experiencing discrimination, bullying or slander in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster showed an increased the risk of post-traumatic stress and a more prolonged course [22,23].…”

Nuclear Anxiety Amid the Russian-Ukrainian War 2022 (RUW-22): Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

“…Several studies found that exposure to a nuclear threat is associated with negative mental health outcomes. In reviewing the literature on three major nuclear accidents, the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in the United States (1979), the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine (1986), and the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan (2011), there were higher levels of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among those who experienced one of those disasters compared to who were not exposed to such a threat [ 41 ]. The mental health impact of nuclear accidents is not limited to those directly affected.…”

Impacto Na Saúde Mental Em Brumadinho: Analisando Consequências Do Rompimento Da Barragem E Da Pandemia De Covid-19

“…Em revisão narrativa sobre saúde mental frente a desastres nucleares, verifica-se nível aumentado de sofrimento psicopatológico geral 13 . Sendo citado, como fatores de risco ao acometimento mental, a perda de familiares, amigos e de emprego e a necessidade de mudar-se de casa, angústia pelo isolamento 13 -aspecto cuja relevância será ainda mais expressiva no período pandêmico.…”