THE THREAT OF BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS - PROPHYLAXIS AND MITIGATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL-CONSEQUENCES

The microbial world is mysterious, threatening, and frightening to mos t people. The stressors associated with a biological terrorist attack could create high numbers of acute and potentially chronic psychiatric casualties who must be recognized, diagnosed, and treated to facilita te triage and medical care. Media communications, planning for quarant ine and decontamination, and the role of community leaders are importa nt to the mitigation of psychological consequences. Physicians will ne ed to accurately diagnose anxiety, depression, bereavement, and organi c brain syndromes to provide treatment, reassurance, and the relief of pain.