Medical and psychiatric casualties caused by conventional and radiological (dirty) bombs

Bombing is the preferred method of terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the frequency and prevalence of this form of terrorism/criminal act/means of extortion are increasing in the United States. These attacks result in specific physical and psychiatric trauma, and produce both acute and long-term psychiatric sequelae. It will become increasingly important for trauma surgeons, emergency physicians and psychiatrists to be familiar with the special needs and treatment of these patients. This paper reviews the physical and psychiatric consequences of high explosive and radiological (dirty) bombs, and makes recommendations for the psychiatric management of bombing victims.