Presentation Information
[SY-74-01]Disaster Psychiatry: Managing crisis as a leader
*Mian Yoon Chong (Regency Specialist Hospital, Malaysia(Malaysia))
Keywords:
Disaster Psychiatry,Crisis intervention,Trauma & disaster,PTSD
Each year, millions are affected by natural or man-made disasters some of which include earthquakes, typhoons, hurricanes, floods and similar large-scale calamities such as the recent covid-19 pandemic, Ukraine-Russia war or the Middle East conflicts. Many come unexpectedly and abruptly with little or no warning, creating a crisis that leads to an unstable and dangerous situation that threaten human lives and normal living and affecting not only individuals or communities but also to regional stability. Terms like ‘destructive’, ‘catastrophic’ or ‘deadly’ are frequently used to describe such event that is usually unpredictive and causing lots of disruption and uncertainty. Studies have shown that about half to two thirds of these victims suffered from mental distress and stress-related disorders. The most frequent diagnosis made is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often along with mood and substance use disorder. In addition, most individuals report psychological symptoms that do not amount to disorders. Every crisis is different from one another but their characteristics are similar, and requires immediate intervention to reduce damages and to restore the affected individuals or community to pre-crisis functioning. It is a real test and also an opportunity for a leader to turning the challenges into opportunity while making wise and rapid decisions, and taking courageous action to confront the crisis that requires management than solutions. It demands certain quality of a leader with a personality of flexibility, patience and endurance that can withhold or sustain the pressure, and to be decisive and determine at this critical moment. Crisis work however is not suitable for everyone, and a Crisis Management Team is necessary with solid training in certain knowledge, skills and attitude. Other than emergency and rescue, psychiatric team plays a vital role specifically during and aftermath the disaster with the recovery of traumatized victims. With findings from studies of psychological impact and management of disaster in major earthquakes, typhoons, industrial explosions, and epidemics in Taiwan, this report aims to review and analyze some common key elements as a leader in the management of a crisis.