Abstract
Sarin gas was dispersed in Matsumoto city in 1994 and in the Tokyo subway in 1995. The victims of these attacks, conducted by a cult group, not only had acute sarin poisoning but also experienced severe trauma due to seeing other people being injured or killed. This study reviews mental and somatic symptoms in victims of the sarin gas attacks. In our clinical study after 5 years from the Tokyo subway attack, structured clinical inter views (CAPS) and self - rating questionnaires were used to assess the symptoms of the victims. Not only PTSD symptoms but also non- specific mental or somatic symptoms persisted in the victims at a high rate. This fact that non - specific mental or somatic symptoms were frequently found suggests similarities to the patients with Gulf War syndrome. Concerning somatic symptoms, complains about eyes were most prominent. In our study, a total of 11 victims were diagnosed with current or lifetime PTSD according to CAPS. Victims with PTSD showed higher anxiety levels and more visual memory impairment. These results indicated that longitudinal follow- up for mental and somatic symptoms are necessary in victims of sarin gas attack.
