Shocking Truth: How Ignoring Severe Mental Disorders in Emergencies Can Harm Children

In the wake of humanitarian disasters, the mental health of affected populations often takes a back seat. However, a recent study titled "Not forgetting severe mental disorders in humanitarian emergencies: a descriptive study from the Philippines" sheds light on the crucial importance of addressing severe mental disorders (SMDs) in such settings. This blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research and encouraging further investigation into this vital area.

Key Findings of the Study

The study, conducted by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, reveals several important insights:

• Out of 172 individuals seeking mental health (MH) care, 37 (28%) had severe mental disorders, predominantly psychotic symptoms.
• Most severe cases were pre-existing and unrelated to the typhoon.
• Psychotropic medication was prescribed for 75% of individuals with SMDs.
• Effective identification and management of SMDs were facilitated by community awareness, collaboration with local health agencies, and the provision of psychotropic medication.

Implications for Practitioners

The findings of this study have several practical implications for practitioners working in humanitarian settings:

1. Early Identification and Referral

Practitioners should be trained to identify signs of severe mental disorders early and refer individuals to appropriate services. Community awareness programs can play a crucial role in this process.

2. Comprehensive Care Approach

A holistic approach to mental health care, which includes both medication and psychosocial support, is essential. Collaboration with local health agencies ensures continuity of care even after emergency interventions cease.

3. Capacity Building

Training local health staff on MH care, particularly in primary care settings, is vital for sustainable mental health services. The study highlights the success of MSF's training program, which equipped 30 local healthcare staff with essential MH skills.

4. Data-Driven Decisions

Implementing comprehensive data collection systems from the onset of any intervention can help in analyzing and sharing reliable data for better decision-making and improving future responses.

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to understand the long-term outcomes of MH interventions in humanitarian settings. Areas of interest include:

• The impact of MH care on children and adolescents.
• The role of cultural and community factors in MH interventions.
• Strategies to reduce the high rates of loss-to-follow-up in MH programs.

Conclusion

Addressing severe mental disorders in humanitarian emergencies is not just about providing immediate relief; it’s about ensuring long-term mental health and well-being. Practitioners have a critical role to play in this, and by implementing the outcomes of this study, they can make a significant difference in the lives of affected individuals, especially children.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Not forgetting severe mental disorders in humanitarian emergencies: a descriptive study from the Philippines.