Abstract
The nature of psychiatric morbidity in previously non-ill subjects from the area most affected by Hurricane Andrew was investigated at 6-12 months posthurricane. Preliminary associations of morbidity with personal and event- related risk factors were also determined. Fifty one percent (31/61) met criteria for a new-onset disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 36%, major depression (MD) in 30%, and other anxiety disorders in 20%. Thirty four subjects (56%) had significant symptoms persisting beyond 6 months. Having sustained 'severe damage' was the risk factor most strongly associated with outcome. Our data underscore the range of psychiatric morbidity related to a natural disaster, and suggest a relationship to chronic stressors.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 607-612 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Traumatic Stress |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 30 1996 |
Keywords
- disaster
- hurricane
- posttraumatic stress disorder
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Psychology(all)
- Clinical Psychology