JAMA
February 10, 2015, Vol 313, No. 6
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Viewpoint | February 10, 2015
The 2014 Ebola Outbreak and Mental Health: Current Status and Recommended Response
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James M. Shultz, MS, PhD1; Florence Baingana, MB, ChB, MMed (Psychiatry), MSc (HPPF)2; Yuval Neria, PhD3
Author Affiliations
JAMA. 2015;313(6):567-568. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.17934.

…CONCLUSIONS
Fear reactions are predictable and pervasive and may exacerbate disease spread in pandemic areas. Efforts to develop effective treatments and vaccines should be coupled with a response to help with efforts to control preventable viral transmission and support the psychological needs of the public overall as well as infected patients, family members, health care workers, and other responders. The West Africa pandemic provides insights into the psychological consequences associated with a “worst case scenario” event involving a highly virulent infectious disease. An effective response is essential both in West Africa to address the psychosocial needs associated with population-wide direct exposure to disease, death, and distress; and in the United States, to counterbalance fear-driven behaviors and policy making with prudent and effective preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.