Mental Health

Abstract

The mental health aspects of space travel were considered in this chapter. Space psychology was defined and explained. Mental health issues such as isolation, loneliness, confinement, sensory deprivation, close quarters, and separation from family were discussed. Causes of mental health issues included the stressful nature of space, the operational mission environment, psychosocial factors, interpersonal and intercultural issues, and any CNS stimuli. Consequences of space travel include asthenia and crew performance problems. The significance of space-related mental health problems was documented. Solutions to space-induced mental health problems were considered.

Keywords: Anxiety, asthenia, Bartlett Discussion on Space Architecture, central nervous system, confinement, Dartmouth College, depression, fatigue, interpersonal, isolation, operational mission environment, psychiatric disorders, psychosis, psychosocial, Salyut IV, sensory deprivation, space psychology, Virtual Space Station.