Psychiatry department response to the Boston Marathon bombings within a level-1 trauma center

Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications for Hurricane Harvey Sheltered Evacuees

To report on the diagnosis of and pharmacological services provided to 229 evacuees of Hurricane Harvey housed within a large convention center. Retrospective chart review of services rendered. Evacuees were primarily adults who presented with varied diagnoses, most commonly mood, anxiety and/or psychotic disorders. There was significant need for medications and psychosocial support to address preexisting conditions, as well as emerging problems (e.g., insomnia). Individuals presenting for pharmacological services following natural disasters may require medications to continue ongoing care, and/or treatment for insomnia. Therapists can provide direct intervention as well as identify those in need of further evaluation/intervention. Providers should be prepared with a fully stocked pharmacy, accessible but confidential location, and a pre-established method of record keeping.

Changes in Psychiatric Emergency Room Visits Following the Boston Marathon Bombing

OBJECTIVE

This study reviews patient encounters at a Boston-area community hospital Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) following the Boston Marathon bombings, with the goal of describing the impact of terrorist attacks on PES encounters.

METHODS

All PES encounters for 2 months preceding and 2 months following the bombing were identified in the electronic medical record. Demographics, current and past psychiatric problems, and trauma history were assessed for all records. Encounters seen post-bombing were compared with those before the bombing.

RESULTS

Demographics, current and past psychiatric problems, and trauma history were not significantly different before versus after the bombing; 36 of 440 (8.2%) post-bombing encounters directly mentioned the bombings. New-onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms caused by the bombing occurred in only 4 encounters (0.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

PES encounters after a terrorist event are likely to mirror those seen before a terrorist event, with only a minority of encounters presenting for new PTSD or acute stress disorder.