High thermal potential-whereby warm ocean temperatures extend far below the surface-plays a role in sustaining hurricane strength. Each storm has a unique hazard profile and generates a singular “trauma signature” ( 7).Ĭlimate drivers, which include anomalously warm ocean and air temperatures, influence hurricane formation and behavior. Wind hazards are perhaps best known, but water hazards-including storm surge, coastal wave action, deluging rains, and floods-create the greatest peril ( 4). When a hurricane strikes, human populations are subjected to hazards-physical forces of harm. Psychiatric Outcomes Associated With Exposure to Hurricanes Mobilizing the psychiatric profession to mitigate this growing risk is critical to effective response ( 5, 6). The complex effect of climate change on the behavior of hurricanes carries implications for the mental health and well-being of storm-affected populations. Generally, environmental variability appears to produce hurricanes that are stronger, wetter, and slower moving as they pass overpopulated areas ( 3, 4). Importantly, global environmental climate change is now making these storms ever more extreme and damaging ( 3). This observation is borne out by abundant data collected over several decades. Simply stated, more people are affected psychologically than medically after any given hurricane. They also produce new-onset psychiatric disorders among previously healthy individuals who are directly exposed to storm hazards and postimpact adversities ( 2).įor storm-affected populations, the psychological footprint greatly exceeds the medical footprint.
Hurricanes disrupt routines and create psychological distress for patients with preexisting mental disorders. Populations exposed to these powerful storms sustain physical harm, psychological trauma, massive losses, and life changes ( 1). Hurricanes are among the most ferocious disaster events, causing widespread destruction and harm to human populations in their path. Psychiatrists and allied health professionals can play vital roles in several areas: educating and preparing current caseloads of patients for possible storm impacts intervening with persons who develop new-onset disorders after storm exposure providing consultation to public health and community preparedness leadership about the mental health consequences of hurricanes participating actively in community emergency response and championing the integration of psychiatry with climate science and advocacy. As hurricanes become increasingly severe, health care systems may expect to see more mental illness related to these extreme storms. High rates of common mental disorders have been documented after recent hurricanes. Exposure to hurricane hazards and experiencing resultant losses and life changes can lead to new-onset mental disorders among previously healthy survivors and jeopardize the health of persons with preexisting mental illness. Hurricane seasons are becoming more active, generating storms that are ever more damaging to coastal and island communities. Global environmental climate change is altering the behavior of hurricanes.
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