Citation

Chung MC, Jalal S, Khan NU. J. Ment. Health 2016; 26(3): 204-211.

Affiliation

Abbasi Shaheed Hospital , Karachi , Pakistan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.3109/09638237.2016.1149803

PMID

26940708

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In literature, the effect of age on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inconclusive; the effect on flood-related PTSD is particularly unclear. Little is known on distorted cognitions among flood victims, although cognition distortions and PTSD have been linked among victims of other traumas. AIMS: To investigate: (1) whether flood-related PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity and cognitive distortions would differ according to age and (2) distinctive patterns of association between the preceding variables for different age groups.

METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four flood victims of different ages completed standardized questionnaires measuring PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity and cognitive distortions.

RESULTS: Adolescents and young adults reported significantly fewer PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity and distorted cognition symptoms than people who were older. Preoccupation with danger and hopelessness were associated with both outcomes for adolescents, people in their thirties and middle-aged/older people. For young adults, helplessness was associated with PTSD; hopelessness and preoccupation with danger with psychiatric co-morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents and young adults buffered against flood-related psychological distress better than older people. Distorted cognitions related to distress outcomes differently depending on age.

Language: en