Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Rural Primary Care: Improving Care for Mental Health Following Bioterrorism

Abstract

Public health agencies should work with rural primary care providers and mental health professionals to develop educational interventions focused on posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders, as well as algorithms for assessment, referral, and treatment of post-event psychological disorders and somatic complaints to ensure the availability, continuity, and delivery of quality mental health care for rural residents following bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

Secondary Surge Capacity: A Framework for Understanding Long-Term Access to Primary Care for Medically Vulnerable Populations in Disaster Recovery

“…Following the event, psychological sequelae coupled with stress may catapult newly diagnosed acute illness or pre-conditions (e.g., hypoglycemia, high blood pressure) into full-stage chronic illness. 63,70-73 Anecdotal evidence from public health practice suggests that treatment of acute conditions during the initial response drain local resources, decrease health system capacity during recovery, and perpetuate unmet need for primary care services. Davis et al, call attention to a gap in disaster epidemiology literature examining the capacity of a fractured health system to respond to escalating unmet primary care need after acute response efforts have ceased.…”

Improving Rural Community Preparedness for the Chronic Health Consequences of Bioterrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies

“…5,22,23 National energy sites, nuclear sites, and hazardous materials' manufacturers are often located in or near rural areas. Rural areas comprise the source of most food distribution, and thus localized agricultural bioterrorism could threaten significant portions of the country.…”

Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Subclinical Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and PTSD in Urban and Rural Areas of Montana: A Cross‐Sectional Study

“…Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after trauma exposure that is accompanied by intense fear, horror, or threatened death . Individuals who suffer from PTSD can re‐experience the trauma through nightmares, tend to avoid situations reminiscent of the trauma, and have emotional numbing, increased physiological arousal, and functional impairment .…”