Masaharu Maeda1, Hiroshi Kato, Takayuki Maruoka. 1. Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University, School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi,Kurume 830-0011, Japan. maeda_masaharu@kurume-u.ac.jp
Abstract
AIMS: The aim of the present study was to examine the psychological impact on adolescent survivors of a maritime disaster that resulted in the deaths of nine people, including four high school students, and the effects of psychiatric intervention for the survivors. METHODS: Long-term multidimensional intervention consisting of psychoeducation, hospital treatment, family support and day care, was provided for nine adolescent survivors. To evaluate these effects, the survivors were also assessed using self-rating scales (Impact of Event Scale, General Health Questionnaire and Self-rating Depression Scale) and psychiatric structured interviews (Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Scale) at 2, 8, 14, 26, and 38 months after the accident. RESULTS: Prevalence of PTSD among adolescent survivors was much higher than in adult survivors at the 2-month examination (78% vs 12%, respectively). Although the observed prevalence remained high until the 14-month examination, remarkable improvement occurred thereafter and none was diagnosed with PTSD at the 38-month examination. CONCLUSION: Adolescents may have a specific vulnerability to PTSD and community-based intervention is effective for adolescents with serious symptoms of PTSD.
AIMS: The aim of the present study was to examine the psychological impact on adolescent survivors of a maritime disaster that resulted in the deaths of nine people, including four high school students, and the effects of psychiatric intervention for the survivors. METHODS: Long-term multidimensional intervention consisting of psychoeducation, hospital treatment, family support and day care, was provided for nine adolescent survivors. To evaluate these effects, the survivors were also assessed using self-rating scales (Impact of Event Scale, General Health Questionnaire and Self-rating Depression Scale) and psychiatric structured interviews (Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Scale) at 2, 8, 14, 26, and 38 months after the accident. RESULTS: Prevalence of PTSD among adolescent survivors was much higher than in adult survivors at the 2-month examination (78% vs 12%, respectively). Although the observed prevalence remained high until the 14-month examination, remarkable improvement occurred thereafter and none was diagnosed with PTSD at the 38-month examination. CONCLUSION: Adolescents may have a specific vulnerability to PTSD and community-based intervention is effective for adolescents with serious symptoms of PTSD.
Authors: Kate Walsh; Carla Kmett Danielson; Jenna McCauley; Rochelle F Hanson; Daniel W Smith; Heidi S Resnick; Benjamin E Saunders; Dean G Kilpatrick Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2011-07-19 Impact factor: 5.012