Although the environmental impacts of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have received considerable attention, scientists still know little about the disaster's effects on mental health.
A new study suggests that the psychological impact of the oil spill spans beyond communities directly exposed to oil.
Featured in Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, the research examined the acute effects of the oil spill among residents of two Gulf communities: one that was directly exposed to oil and one that wasn't.
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The University of Maryland researchers found that people in both groups displayed clinically significant signs of anxiety and depression during the months following the oil spill.
The team surveyed a total of 94 residents from Baldwin County, near Mobile, Ala., and Franklin County on the Florida panhandle. Baldwin was directly exposed to oil while Franklin was not.
Participants were asked several questions related to their concerns about human health, safety of seafood and the impacts on the local environment and economy. Questions also focused on whether people believed the current approaches taken by BP and the government would be successful in addressing the oil spill.
Both groups displayed signs of depression and anxiety because of the event, according to the researchers.
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In addition, individuals -- in both communities -- with incomes at risk because of the spill displayed a higher level of anxiety and depression than people with other sources of income.
The research highlights the need to consider the mental health of residents in areas outside of those affected by environmental disasters. Because of this, the psychological impact of the oil spill may be understated.
It's unclear how much of BP's cleanup budget has been allocated to monitoring the psychological effects of the oil spill. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has dedicated efforts to assist those who may be suffering as a result of the disaster.
Photo credit: Corbis
Tags: Mental Health
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