Which of the following statements is true about psychological casualties in a disaster?

The statement that the ratio of psychological casualties to physical injuries can be higher than 1:1 is rooted in the understanding of how people respond to traumatic events, including disasters. Psychological casualties can manifest as conditions such as acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which may not be immediately apparent or quantifiable in the same way as physical injuries.

Research indicates that in the aftermath of disasters, a significant number of individuals may experience psychological distress that exceeds the number of those who sustain physical injuries. This discrepancy arises from various factors, including the overall impact of the traumatic event, the psychological resilience of individuals, and the context of the disaster. Because psychological impacts can affect a larger proportion of the population and may persist long after the physical injuries have healed, the ratio of psychological to physical casualties can indeed exceed one, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health in disaster response and recovery strategies.