Citation

David D, Mellman TA, Mendoza LM, Kulick-Bell R, Ironson G, Schneiderman N. J. Trauma. Stress 1996; 9(3): 607-612.

Affiliation

University of Miami, Department of Psychiatry, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8827660

Abstract

The nature of psychiatric morbidity in previously non-ill subjects from the area most affected by Hurricane Andrew was investigated at 6-12 months posthurricane. Preliminary associations of morbidity with personal and event-related risk factors were also determined. Fifty one percent (31/61) met criteria for a new-onset disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 36%, major depression (MD) in 30%, and other anxiety disorders in 20%. Thirty four subjects (56%) had significant symptoms persisting beyond 6 months. Having sustained "severe damage" was the risk factor most strongly associated with outcome. Our data underscore the range of psychiatric morbidity related to a natural disaster, and suggest a relationship to chronic stressors.

Language: en