Mental trauma identified in A-bomb victims
“About 90 percent of respondents to an Asahi Shimbun survey conducted prior to the 60th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki also said they continue to worry about their health.
The survey, based on responses from 13,204 hibakusha, found that the more acute the victim’s symptoms were 60 years ago, the greater their continuing anguish.
Those who continue to be haunted by their experiences account for 80 percent of respondents.
In addition, the survey found that 50 percent of respondents blame both the Japanese and U.S. governments for the bombings. Only 28 percent pinned all responsibility on the United States.
Fifty-nine percent feared nuclear weapons would be used again.
Questionnaires were distributed to about 40,000 atomic bomb survivors. With 13,204 people replying, the response rate was about 32 percent.
The average age of the respondents was 72.4. The survey comprised 51 questions covering their physical and mental health, and the state of their current lives. It allowed respondents to select from multiple answers and add comments.
Asked how often they recall their experiences immediately following the bombings, 23 percent said they “often” have such flashbacks and 53 percent indicated that they “sometimes” do.
Nearly 60 percent of those who were under 10 years old at the time of the bombings stated that they “often” or “sometimes” recall such memories.
Among those who experienced acute symptoms immediately after the bombings on Aug. 6 and 9, 1945, and up to the end of that year, 88 percent said they “often” or “sometimes” have flashbacks about their experiences.
In comparison, 71 percent of those who said they did not display acute radiation symptoms after the bombings indicated they often or sometimes have such memories.
Asked whether they worry about their physical health, 45 percent of respondents said they are “always” concerned, while another 45 percent said “sometimes.” … ”
International Herald Tribune/Asahi July 18, 2005
Mental Health Japan 
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