EXPERIENCE IN THE STUDY OF NEUROPSYCHIATRIC CHANGES IN PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT

Abstract

Introduction. The Chornobyl accident of April 26, 1986, is recognized as an unprecedented, large-scale catastrophe of the twentieth century, representing the combined effects of ionizing radiation and other factors, such as heavy metals; and enormous psychological and social stress on the health of the victims. The purpose of this paper is to reflect the accumulation of knowledge on the neuropsychiatric effects of ionizing radiation exposure. Based on the studies conducted at the Department of Radiation Psychoneurology of the ICR NRCRMHO, several mechanisms of radiocerebral effects have been identified. The signs of organic brain damage with predominant involvement of the cortico-limbic system of the left (dominant) hemisphere with a tendency to its diffuse spread, severe disorders of information and cognitive processes of the brain against the background of functional hypofrontality were detected in the Chornobyl NPP survivors, which necessitates further research to detect signs of maladaptive neurocognitive deficit (dementia) in a timely manner.

Conclusions. Thus, long-term radiation- and non-radiation-associated neuropsychophysiological and neurocognitive disorders due to the Chornobyl disaster and various psychotraumatic situations are a significant scientific, practical, medical and social problem that requires further national and international research with adequate dosimetric support.

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