Mental health problems and natural disaster: tornado victims
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Updated: Oct 22, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Abstract:
Twenty-six tornado victims were interviewed to determine the mental health consequences of a natural disaster. The results, based on retrospective accounts indicated that approximately three-fourths of the victims suffered increased psychological discomfort of a subjective nature five months later. This discomfort was characterized by anxiety, nervousness, and mild somatic complaints. Disruptions in interpersonal relationships among family members were less frequently reported. The disaster did not produce severe emotional impairment and few of the victims felt the need for professional mental health assistance.
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