Characteristics of factors affecting the mental health of exposed persons in the long-term period after radiation exposure

   Introduction: In the long-term period after radiation exposure, the mental health status of the exposed persons becomes a significant problem. At the same time, there is still no clear understanding of the role of radiation and non-radiation factors in the development of mental illnesses and behavioral disorders in the exposed people.

   The objective of this study is to analyze the published data on the contribution of radiation and non-radiation factors to the development of mental disorders in exposed people in the long term period after radiation exposure.

   Materials and Methods: A generalization of the literature data and the results of our own research was observed.

   Results and Discussion: A generalization of the collected data have shown that changes in the state of mental health in irradiated individuals in dynamics ranged from a state of mental maladaptation to the development of persistent organic mental disorders and deviant behaviors. Currently, among the factors affecting the mental health of irradiated persons, it is possible to distinguish: 1) radiation exposure itself; 2) psychogenic factor, which naturally accompanies radiation accidents and incidents; 3) the use of protective measures and, above all, resettlement; 4) social changes in radioactively contaminated territories (insufficient development of social infrastructure facilities, lack of sufficient investments, outflow of socially active population); 5) information factor (accessibility to objective information); 6) premorbid personality traits that affect the perception of radiation risk and are one of the background factors for the formation of mental pathology.

   Conclusion: The complex influence of these factors contributes not only to the formation of mental pathology but also to the growth of socio-psychological tension of the population. The development of measures on interaction with the population of the territories exposed to radioactive contamination (local leaders, representatives of social movements), the provision of necessary medical and psychological assistance will minimize negative social effects and contribute to the formation of adequate perception of radiation risk and socially acceptable forms of behavior.

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