Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and perceived needs for psychological care in older persons affected by Hurricane Ike

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• 作者：Robert H. Pietrzak^a ; ^b ; ^c ; ^{robert.pietrzak@yale.edu} ; Steven M. Southwick^a ; ^b ; ^c ; Melissa Tracy^c ; ^d ; Sandro Galea^c ; ^d ; Fran H. Norris^c ; ^e
• 关键词：Disaster ; Posttraumatic stress disorder ; Depression ; Functioning ; Older adults ; Mental healthcare needs
• 刊名：Journal of Affective Disorders
• 出版年：2012
• 期刊代码：141_01650327
• 类别：med
• 出版时间：April, 2012
• 卷：138
• 期：1-2
• 页码：96-103
• 文件大小：200 K

摘要

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 2-5 months 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.