Living in Radiation World: Populations Neuropsychiatric Projections

Sergiy V. Volovyk, Duke University
Konstantin Loganovsky, Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine
Dimitry Bazyka, Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine
Volodymyr Bebeshko, Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine

Nowadays we all live in ionizing radiation environment comprised of natural background radiation - space and terrestrial, and radiation from human activities - energy production, military, medical, nuclear technogenic accidents, etc that makes biological and health effects of radiation a great concern for the general and specific populations, especially under possible nuclear and radiological terrorist attack. Today it is proved that human brain/CNS is highly radiosensitive and vulnerable system whose extent of dysfunction can be represented by molecular, behavioral, and electrophysiological parameters. The pertinent analysis of relevant populations (in the areas of high natural background radiation, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, nuclear test area, A-bomb survivors, space station crews, etc) illustrates that degree of CNS impairment and corresponding spectrum of effects may range from stress-related symptoms via chronic fatigue syndrome to cognitive deficits, neurodegeneration, and neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, and can be a basis for related population perspectives on mental health.