The evolution of mental health responses and research in Australian disasters

This paper overviews the development of Australian mental health services during disasters as well as recording research conducted and outcomes published. A comprehensive review of disaster research conducted on the Australian continent over the past 15 years has been undertaken. This includes "natural disasters" of flood, bushfire, cyclone, and earthquake; as well as "man-made" disasters of rail accident, bus crash, shipwreck, and mass shootings. The Australian mental health response to disasters has evolved progressively through a changing focus from broad evaluations in early studies to systematic exploration of the mental health impact. Ongoing research should consider prevention at every level, further exploration of etiology, and the issues of service provision across the diverse nature of Australian society