Katrina victims increasingly depressed, traumatized, and suicidal as relief efforts drag on

According to the most comprehensive survey of people affected by Hurricane Katrina, results of which are being presented today to the US Senate, the percentage of pre-hurricane residents of the affected areas who have mental disorders has increased significantly compared to the situation five to eight months after the hurricane. These findings counter a more typical pattern from previous disasters where prevalence of mental disorders decreases as time passes.