Katrina Takes Psychological Toll

Pittsburgh (KDKA) The destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina has left many people along the Gulf Coast with next to nothing.

In the wake of losing everything, families now have to worry about the basic necessities: food, water and shelter.

This situation, according to experts, can be hard for people to deal with psychologically.

"Certainly shock would be at the top of the list and deepest concerns about their own survival," said Dr. Anthony Mannarino, chairman of psychology for Allegheny General hospital.

"Certainly the survival of family and their children and elderly parents who might be in the area."

Once the shock wears off, Dr. Mannarino says other feelings and behaviors begin.

"I think the more desperate people are, the more sick, tired, hungry they are, it increases the probability that people will do whatever they can to increase their chance of survial," he said.

Congressman Tim Murphy, who is also a psychologist, described it as "a moral breakdown."

"I think when you get chaos you often get the best and worst sadly, you get both extremes I think," he said.

People also deal with grief, once they realize they've lost everything -- and stress -- that results in post-traumatic stress disorder.

With the magnitude of this disaster, Dr. Paul Nemiroff -- who is also a psychologist -- says those affected will need emotional and financial help for years to come.