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...20 years have mental health professionals been involved in the provision of services in the wake of natural disasters. Prior to that time, disaster research focused on housing problems and community organization" (pp. 28). Shifts in Family Dynamics Also according to Beck and Franke (1996), more than 90 percent of those exposed to a natural disaster had an extreme anxiety reaction within five hours. "This anxiety manifested itself in repeated attacks of anxiety, anxiety- induced sleep disturbances, startle reactions, and fears of approaching and returning to the scene of the disaster" (pp. 29). They also found that many people use alcohol or drugs to cope with the situation. Not surprisingly, depression is a common consequence in victims of disasters. "Grieving takes place for loved ones who perished, for ruined homes, possessions, and shattered dreams" (pp. 29). In the family, virtually all members deal with some degree of inhibited grief, in which intense denial is the main characteristic. Such grief can be expressed or held at bay depending on the personality of the individual, meaning tha a teenage son may appear to...