TEARFUL HOMAGE: While a lot of regeneration has happened post-tsunami, the need for continued psycho-social care in the affected areas cannot be overemphasised. Old wounds were reopened on the occasion of the first anniversary of the tsunami, while p aying homage to the dead in Nagapattinam. — Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

CHENNAI: Only 1.2 per cent of the tsunami victims in four districts in Tamil Nadu suffered from the clinical symptoms of (PTSD), the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) study has revealed.

The most significant provisional finding of the ICMR pilot study conducted in the tsunami-hit areas of Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Kanyakumari, according to its Principal Investigator, is the low incidence of PTSD, as compared to higher prevalence in the West.

Of the total 800 persons administered the general health questionnaire, the total number showing a psychiatric diagnosis was merely 27.2 per cent.

Major syndromes

Depression, generalised anxiety disorders and alcohol abuse for dependence are the other major syndromes that were detected among the population. Somatoform pain disorders, mixed anxiety depressive disorders and exacerbation/ relapse of mental illness were also diagnosed in small percentage in the target group.

While women worry about the recurrence of the tsunami, men are concerned about the future, the study has identified.

While most of the fear had vanished by the fourth month, and appetites had largely improved, some of the fear had morphed into concern about the future and alarm on hearing loud noises. An appreciable rise in confidence level was noted and confusion had given way to clarity, Dr. Nambi said in his report.

Mental health services

The investigators also clearly established that it was mental health services in the form of counselling provided by various voluntary organisations and trained professionals had been part of the coping mechanism. In addition, activities like play therapy, games, yoga and religious gatherings had also been provided.

On the flip side, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of young people consuming alcohol and steep increase in quantity consumed, with men viewing it as the best way to cope.

While identifying the need for more mental health services in these areas, the study also recommends that the locals be taught methods of identifying and battling mental illness , in order to be prepared for disasters. The government of India had granted a four-year district mental health programme in Kanyakumari and Nagapattinam, to enhance care in the affected areas. The State had also asked to extend the programme to Cuddalore as well.

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