disaster syndrome


A mental and emotional response in survivors of major natural or man-made disasters

disaster syndrome

Psychology A response in survivors of major natural or man-made disasters. Cf Concentration camp syndrome, Survivor syndrome. Disaster syndrome, chronologic stages Minutes to hours Stunned apathy, disorientation Days Inefficiency while helping other victims in worse condition than self, guilt at having survived Weeks Euphoria and enthusiasm at rebuilding and renewing activities, sense of fellowship with co-victims Months Resolution