Predictors of posttraumatic outcomes following the 1999 Taiwan earthquake

Chia Ming Chang, Kathryn M. Connor, Te Jen Lai, Li Ching Lee, Jonathan R.T. Davidson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined 10-month outcomes in survivors after the 1999 earthquake in Taiwan. Two hundred fifty-two randomly selected subjects were interviewed to assess the following: categorical assignment to full or partial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD/PTSS), symptoms of PTSD, and general psychiatric morbidity. Using regression models, the following potential independent predictor variables were evaluated: age, gender, earthquake exposure, previous trauma, current depression, and general well-being. Variables predictive of PTSD/PTSS included female gender and current depression. Current depression and impaired well-being were predicted by greater PTSD severity. Greater psychiatric morbidity was predicted by female gender, current depression, number of traumatic experiences, and impaired well-being. These variables, particularly female gender, current depression, and impaired well-being, should be considered in assessing earthquake survivors who are at increased risk for developing posttraumatic sequelae.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)40-46
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Volume193
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2005

Keywords

  • Depression
  • Earthquake
  • PTSD
  • Partial PTSD
  • Predictor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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