Methods: Anectdotal reports from long duration manned space missions and studies from space analog environments on Earth were reviewed for information concerning these issues.
Results: Psychiatric problems pertinent to the space environment include adjustment and psychosomatic reactions, asthenia, mood and thought disorders, and post-mission peronality changes and family problems. Counter-measures to ameliorate these difficulties involve pre-launch selection and training; monitoring, support, and counseling/psychotherapy during the mission; and post-return debriefings with crew members and their families. Psychoactive medicatons have been useful during space missions, although unclear pharmacokinetic issues related to microgravity need to be taken into account.
Conclusions: Although much is known about psyhiatric issues related to long duration manned space travel, more empirical work needs to be done during actual space missions.