According to new research from the University of Michigan, more than 30-40% of adults directly affected by a disaster may suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
In addition, approximately 10-20% of rescue workers and 5-10% of the general population may experience PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, recurrent dreams of the event, survival guilt and hyper-vigilance.
"Our review of studies conducted in the aftermath of disasters during the past 40 years shows that there is a substantial burden of PTSD among people who experience a disaster," said Sandro Galea, lead author of an article on the topic appearing in the current issue of Epidemiologic Reviews.
"Our analysis also shows that the most important risk factors for the development of PTSD are the extent of exposure to the disaster and the scope of the disaster."
The link below summarizes the whole article. You can also view the original abstract at: http://epirev.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/extract/27/1/78
del.icio.us
Digg this
