Depression Japan Earthquake

Cases of depression and alcoholism are rising in number among evacuees of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear accident.

A team of mental care specialists from Kyoto Prefecture treated 262 people at seven evacuation centers, including one in Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, until July.

The team said 51 evacuees, or 19.5 percent, were suffering from reactive depression.

Toru Ishikawa, president of the Tohokukai Medical Hospital in Sendai, says the survivors of disasters have become more susceptible to depression and alcoholism since moving into temporary housing from evacuation centers. That's because many of them now live alone.

"A system is needed in which community nurses can continue to listen to the same people for an extended period, but there is a shortage of nurses in the disaster areas," Ishikawa said. "I hope that those who find people with possible (depression or alcohol) problems advise them to see a doctor."

Post-traumatic stress syndrome is also a problem.

asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：Depression, alcoholism take toll on lonely evacuees in disaster areas - English

Report from: asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：Depression, alcoholism take toll on lonely evacuees in disaster areas - English