Lessons in posttraumatic stress disorder from the past: Venezuela floods and Nairobi bombing

Identification and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are important following a disaster. Insights into how these aims can be achieved may be obtained from previous disasters. This article describes mental health initiatives following the 1999 flooding in Vargas State, Venezuela, and the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi, Kenya. Following the Vargas State floods, a specialist mental health center devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of PTSD was established. Awareness and acceptance of the clinic was promoted by media campaigns and community-based activities. After 18 months, approximately 5000 people had been screened, of whom 62% were diagnosed with PTSD and treated. Moreover, the clinic's activities had expanded to include treatment of other medical conditions and assistance with nonmedical needs. Following the Nairobi bombing, a mass media campaign was initiated to create awareness of PTSD symptoms and help victims come to terms with their experience. This campaign was found to be well received and helpful. In addition, counselors were trained to support people living or working close to the blast. These examples show that mental health initiatives are feasible after a disaster and highlight a number of issues: (1) The intervention should be tailored to the needs of the target population; (2) Communication should be simple and appropriate; (3) Community-based activities are valuable in promoting awareness and acceptance of mental health initiatives; (4) Reducing the stigma often associated with mental health problems is important; and (5) The mass media can be helpful in promoting awareness of mental health issues following major trauma.