Citation

Morishima R, Ando S, Araki T, Usami S, Kanehara A, Tanaka S, Kasai K. Psychiatry Res. 2018; 273: 171-177.

Affiliation

The Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.151

PMID

30654301

Abstract

This study investigated how the course of a mental illness is distributed and evaluated the risk factors and suicidality of chronic and delayed onset mental illness after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The first, second, and third waves of this study were conducted in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and socio-demographics were assessed by a self-report questionnaire for affected residents (N = 1473; 768 females, 52.1%; average age = 66.3 years, ranged from 20 to 89 years). Prevalence of mental illness was 10.0%, 14.7%, and 11.8% in the first, second, and third waves, respectively. Prevalence of mental illness for three years was found to be 21.4% and of remission, chronic, and delayed-onset course was 5.0% (2.9-7.1%), 3.6% (1.6-5.8%), and 6.2% (4.2-8.4%), respectively. Psychological distress and serious damage to their homes in the first wave predicted chronic course. Psychological distress in the first wave, living at temporary housing, and unemployment in the third wave increased risk for delayed onset. Among the participants, 9.8% reported suicidal ideation. Chronic or delayed onset course showed a higher risk of suicidal ideation. Many residents, who showed high risk of suicidality, still suffer from mental illness requiring housing, occupation, and psychological support.

Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Language: en

Keywords

Great East Japan Earthquake; Mental illness course; Natural disaster; Risk factor; Suicidal ideation