LONG-TERM MENTAL-HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER - AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC SURVEY IN 2 FORMER SOVIET REGIONS

Objective: This study assessed the long-term mental health effects of the accident accident at Chernobyl. Method: Two population samples (N= 3, 044), one from the Gomel region, close to the accident site, and on e front Tver, 500 miles away, were studied 6 1/2 years after the event with the use of a variety of self-report questionnaires and a standar dized psychiatric interview. Results: The prevalence of psychological distress and DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders was exceptionally high in both regions. Scores on the self-report scales were consistently high er in the exposed region; however, a higher risk of DSM-III-R: psychia tric disorders could be demonstrated only among women with children un der 18 years of age in the exposed region. Conclusions: A substantial long-term mental health effect of the Chernobyl incident was demonstra ted, mainly at a subclinical level.