Abstract
On September 21, 1999, the Chi-Chi area of Nau-tou County, central Taiwan was severely damaged by a major earthquake, which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale.This rare disaster produced a catastrophic effect, and survivors who were exposed
to this disaster were associated with increased psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study attempted to investigate the prevalence of PTSD immediately after 3 months and 2 years after the earthquake;we also analyzed the symptomatology of PTSD and its relationship with age, gender, loss of job or home, and injury or death of relatives. In total, 339 victims were interviewed with a questionnaire translated from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). Seventy-four victims (22.29%) met the criteria of PTSD, among whom 35 were male and 39 were female. PTSD was correlated with injury, destruction of one's house and the use of hypnotics. Those who were injuried and taking hypnotics were more predisposed to experiencing PTSD. Two years after the earthquake, 19 victims (5.72%) met the criteria of chronic PTSD, including 9 males and 10 females. Chronic PTSD was correlated with age, destruction of one's house and use of hypnotics. Those who depended on hypnotics were more predisposed to experiencing chronic PTSD. If symptoms of re-experience, avoidance and/or hyperarousal persist, emergency or primary care physicians must transfer the victim to a psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment in order to prevent patients from progressing into a chronic state.
to this disaster were associated with increased psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study attempted to investigate the prevalence of PTSD immediately after 3 months and 2 years after the earthquake;we also analyzed the symptomatology of PTSD and its relationship with age, gender, loss of job or home, and injury or death of relatives. In total, 339 victims were interviewed with a questionnaire translated from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). Seventy-four victims (22.29%) met the criteria of PTSD, among whom 35 were male and 39 were female. PTSD was correlated with injury, destruction of one's house and the use of hypnotics. Those who were injuried and taking hypnotics were more predisposed to experiencing PTSD. Two years after the earthquake, 19 victims (5.72%) met the criteria of chronic PTSD, including 9 males and 10 females. Chronic PTSD was correlated with age, destruction of one's house and use of hypnotics. Those who depended on hypnotics were more predisposed to experiencing chronic PTSD. If symptoms of re-experience, avoidance and/or hyperarousal persist, emergency or primary care physicians must transfer the victim to a psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment in order to prevent patients from progressing into a chronic state.
| Translated title of the contribution | Incidence and Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Chi-Chi Earthquake in Taiwan. |
|---|---|
| Original language | Chinese (Traditional) |
| Pages (from-to) | 47-58 |
| Journal | Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |