Citation

Pietrzak RH, Southwick SM, Tracy M, Galea S, Norris FH. J. Affect. Disord. 2012; 138(1-2): 96-103.

Affiliation

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center for Disaster Mental Health Research, White River Junction, VT, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jad.2011.12.018

PMID

22285792

PMCID

PMC3306486

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and correlates of disaster-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and needs for psychological care in older persons affected by Hurricane Ike. METHOD: A total of 193 adults aged 60 or older who resided in the Galveston Bay area were interviewed 2-5months following Hurricane Ike. Pre-, peri-, and post-disaster variables hypothesized to be related to PTSD and depressive symptoms, and perceived needs for psychological care were assessed. RESULTS: Weighted prevalences of past-month Ike-related PTSD and depression were 7.6% and 8.6%, respectively. Risk factors for Ike-related PTSD symptoms were predominantly peri-disaster in nature, with greater hurricane exposure, and peri-event dissociative and autonomic activation symptoms associated positively with these symptoms. Risk factors for depressive symptoms were predominantly pre-disaster in nature, with being married/living with partner associated negatively, and prior disaster exposure and pre-disaster PTSD or depression associated positively with these symptoms. 27.2% of the sample endorsed at least one of the perceived needs for psychological care assessed. A history of PTSD or depression, greater peri-event autonomic activation, and Ike-related PTSD and depressive symptoms were associated with greater need for psychological care. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its cross-sectional design and employment of psychiatric screening instruments. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of older adults may have PTSD and depression, as well as perceived needs for psychological care, after a disaster. Assessment of disaster exposures, and peri-event dissociative and autonomic symptoms may help identify older adults at risk for disaster-related psychopathology. Older adults with a history of PTSD or depression, and greater peri-event autonomic activation and PTSD symptoms may be more likely to have needs for psychological care.

Language: en