Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Perceived Needs for Psychological Care in Older Persons Affected by Hurricane Ike

Overview

Journal J Affect Disord

Date 2012 Jan 31

PMID 22285792

Citations 19

Authors

Robert H Pietrzak

Steven M Southwick

Melissa Tracy

Sandro Galea

Fran H Norris

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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 2-5 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.

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