Disaster Psychiatry
Irwanto Ichlas

Departemen Psikiatri Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani

Abstract

The current Covid 19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the lives of mankind in the world, as well as in Indonesia. It can be said that this pandemic is a disaster, or rather a disaster for the continuity of human life. So a disaster is a critical situation, where daily life is suddenly disrupted and many people fall into a helpless state, suffer and as a result there is a need for medication, treatment, protection, food, clothing and other necessities of life. As we know that a disaster can be caused by natural causes (for example earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), or a result of human actions and or the result of a technology-related event (for example, an airplane crash, a power plant exploration), or it is purely due to human activity (mass shooting or terrorism). In connection with the current Covid-19 pandemic, there is still debate as to whether this disaster was purely a made of disaster, or a natural disaster. From the results of observations at the hospital, cases of psychiatric problems or disorders that often arise are adjustment disorders, anxiety reactions, depression and panic attacks. In contrast to previous years, it seems that developments regarding the role of psychiatry in disaster management are felt to be getting better, more complete and comprehensive. Usually starting from the planning stage /preparedness stage, implementation in the acute phase /disaster event to the post-disaster stage everything can be carried out properly. The communication system has also not been neglected, with the role of the team leader coordinated to the field where this is not the obstacle that has often been worried about. Likewise, what must be done after the disaster period is over, can be planned more comprehensively. Triage system difficulties can gradually be overcome until the first aid (Psychological First Aids-PFA) for victims according to the enrichment and triage system which is getting better.

Keywords: disaster psychiatry , covid-19 pandemic , mental-health problem/disorder

Topic: Clinical Practice in Pandemic Era