Preparing for bioterrorism at the state level: report of an informal survey

Members of 18 states' departments of mental health were interviewed about their plans for managing the psychosocial impacts of a bioterrorism event. Questions were developed from recommendations of an international conference on planning for bioterrorism ("Planning for bioterrorism," 2000). Information derived from the survey highlights the need for, and the importance of, mental health consultation to the state's planning process. Familiarity with the unique psychological and behavioral consequences of a bioterrorism event in contrast to natural disasters is essential. Realistic training scenarios that incorporate likely psychosocial impacts and appropriate mental health response must be developed.