Posttraumatic stress disorder in elderly and younger adults after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia.

摘要: OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken 1 1/2 years after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia to assess frequency and severity of posttraumatic stress reactions among elderly younger adult victims relation exposure, age, sex, death a family member these reactions. METHOD: One hundred seventy-nine subjects both sexes were evaluated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reaction Index. A subgroup 60 individuals also assessed for PTSD DSM-III-R criteria. RESULTS: There strong association between presence severe symptoms on index diagnosis PTSD. Elderly cities closer epicenter (higher exposure) had significantly higher scores than more distant locations. In comparison previous studies natural disasters, much greater rates chronic found highly exposed individuals. Although there no difference total mean score Index, significant symptom profile adults; scored arousal lower intrusive symptoms. positive correlation loss members reaction. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that major disaster subsequent multiple adversities, substantial proportion population may experience The risk factors identified this prove useful screening appropriate treatment. Language: en