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Depression, PTSD rates increase following nuclear disasters

Rates of depression and PTSD increased following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and remain elevated, according to study findings in Lancet.

“[Four hundred thirty-seven] nuclear power plants are in operation at present around the world to meet increasing energy demands. Unfortunately, five major nuclear accidents have occurred in the past — ie, at Kyshtym (Russia [then USSR], 1957), Windscale Piles (UK, 1957), Three Mile Island (USA, 1979), Chernobyl (Ukraine [then USSR], 1986), and Fukushima (Japan, 2011),” Arifumi Hasegawa, MD, of the Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, and colleagues wrote. “The effects of these accidents on individuals and societies are diverse and enduring. Accumulated evidence about radiation health effects on atomic bomb survivors and other radiation-exposed people has formed the basis for national and international regulations about radiation protection. However, past experiences suggest that common issues were not necessarily physical health problems directly attributable to radiation exposure, but rather psychological and social effects.”

Hasegawa and colleagues searched PubMed, Medline, CiNii and Google Scholar to identify and assess studies associated with nuclear power plant accidents and effects. They also reviewed reports from the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation for the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents and reports published by the U.S. and Japanese governments on the Three Mile Island and Fukushima accidents.

In 2006, the United Nations Chernobyl Forum report concluded adverse effects on mental health were the most serious public health issue stemming from the accident, which were worsened by poor communication about health risks associated with reported radiation levels.

Depression and PTSD rates have remain increased since the accident, according to researchers.

Similar effects were observed following the Fukushima accident. Data from the Fukushima Health Management Survey indicate the proportion of adults with psychological distress was nearly five times higher than that of the general population (14.6% vs. 3%).

Repeated evacuation and long-term displacement resulted in severe health care issues among the most vulnerable individuals with death rates among the elderly increasing threefold during the first three months after evacuation, according to the researchers.

“Although the radiation dose to the public from Fukushima was relatively low, and no discernible physical health effects are expected, psychological and social problems, largely stemming from the differences in risk perceptions, have had a devastating impact on people’s lives,” Koichi Tanigawa, MD, of the Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, said in a press release.

A second study, conducted by Akira Ohtsuru, MD, of the Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, and colleagues, explored lessons learned from the Fukushima accident.

“One of the key tasks of the health services is to reliably communicate that in most nuclear accidents very few people are exposed to a life-threatening dose of radiation,” Ohtsuru and colleagues wrote. “Physicians must play a key role in helping residents’ understand the health risks. Evacuation of a large population of vulnerable people in nursing homes and hospitals will also need careful planning and adequate medical support. Additionally, screening for mental illness in residents relocated from their homes and providing mental health care will be essential.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Hasegawa and Ohtsuru report no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.