Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Appendix II Glossary of Terms Commonly Used in Geriatric Mental Health 399
the individual feels compelled to undertake, usually to preserve personal
safety, to avoid embarrassment, or to perform adequately (e.g.,
checking multiple times to see that the gas is turned off before leaving
home). This disorder affects 1% to 2% of the population.
Open Trial. A trial of a treatment in which both patient and practitioner
are aware of the treatment being used.
Outreach. Outreach is a method for delivering crisis counseling services
to disaster survivors and victims. It consists primarily of faceto-face
contact with survivors in their natural environments in order
to provide disaster related crisis counseling services. Outreach is the
means by which crisis counseling services are made available.
Panic Disorder. An anxiety disorder characterized by discrete intense
periods of fear and associated symptoms. Panic disorder may be accompanied
by agoraphobia.
Phobias. Phobias are recurring, persistent, irrational fears of situations,
objects, or activities that result in a change of lifestyle characterized
by avoidance of the phobic stimulus.
Polypharmacy. The administration of many drugs together.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by a reexperiencing
of the symptoms related to a previous trauma, including
but not limited to distressing recollections, dreams, or fl ashbacks.
Symptoms of PTSD include persistent avoidance of stimuli associated
with the original trauma, numbing of general responsiveness
(such as feelings of detachment, restricted range of affect, loss of interest
in activities), and symptoms of hyperarousal.
Praxis. The performance of an action, movement, or series of movements.
*Preparedness. All measures and policies taken before an event occurs
that allow for prevention, mitigation, and readiness. [Preparedness
includes designing educational programs and resources, warning systems,
planning for evacuation and relocation storing food and water,
building temporary shelter, devising management strategies, and
holding disaster drills and exercises.] Contingency planning is also
included in preparedness as well as planning for post-impact response
and recovery.