The Threat of Biological Weapons: Prophylaxis and Mitigation of Psychological and Social Consequences

Item Details

Title

The Threat of Biological Weapons: Prophylaxis and Mitigation of Psychological and Social Consequences

Topics

This report discusses the potential acute and chronic psychiatric casualties following a biological weapons attack.

Date

1997

Conclusions

The proper response from experts in emergency response, public health, and medicine can mitigate the psychological effects of a biological weapons attack. One especially distressing factor is the incubation period of agents, where people may be convinced they are experiencing symptoms due to anxiety.

Source

Holloway, H.C., et al. The Threat of Biological Weapons: Prophylaxis and Mitigation of Psychological and Social Consequences. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1997. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/417898. Accessed March, 2024.

Citation

“The Threat of Biological Weapons: Prophylaxis and Mitigation of Psychological and Social Consequences,” Collection of Biothreat Risk Assessments (COBRA), accessed January 15, 2025, https://cobrabiosecurity.org/items/show/540.