Abstract

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.

Keywords

PsychiatryDepression (economics)StressorAnxiety disorderAnxietyRisk factorMedicinePosttraumatic stressPsychologyClinical psychologyInternal medicine

MeSH Terms

AdultAgedAnxiety DisordersCross-Sectional StudiesDepressive DisorderDisastersFemaleFloridaHumansIncidenceLife Change EventsMaleMiddle AgedPersonality AssessmentRisk FactorsStress DisordersPost-Traumatic

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Publication Info

Year
1996
Type
article
Volume
9
Issue
3
Pages
607-612
Citations
107
Access
Closed

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Cite This

Daniella David, Thomas A. Mellman, Lourdes M. Mendoza et al. (1996). Psychiatric morbidity following Hurricane Andrew. Journal of Traumatic Stress , 9 (3) , 607-612. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.2490090316

Identifiers

DOI
10.1002/jts.2490090316
PMID
8827660

Data Quality

Data completeness: 86%