psychological fallout of Hurricane Katrina

Both good and bad news from a study about the mental fallout of Hurricane Katrina:

Adults forced from their homes for two weeks or more by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita were much more likely to report mental health and substance abuse problems than those who were not similarly dislocated, according to a report based on surveys conducted before and after these storms hit.

The report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), however, also indicated that most adults affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did not evidence increased levels of mental health or substance abuse problems.

“This report shows that most people are resilient – that they can overcome tremendous adversity,” said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D. “But it also shows that when people are displaced from their homes it can be devastating, and that mental health resources can play a critical role in enabling them to fully recover from such a trauma.”