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Adolescent vulnerability to PTSD and effects of community‐based intervention: Longitudinal study among adolescent survivors of the Ehime Maru sea accident
Author(s) -
Maeda Masaharu,
Kato Hiroshi,
Maruoka Takayuki
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1819
pISSN - 1323-1316
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2009.02031.x
Subject(s) - vulnerability (computing) , intervention (counseling) , psychology , longitudinal study , psychiatry , suicide prevention , clinical psychology , poison control , medical emergency , medicine , computer security , computer science , pathology
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.