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Longitudinal trajectories of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake in China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2015

F. Fan ,
K. Long ,
Y. Zhou ,
Y. Zheng  and
X. Liu
F. Fan*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
K. Long
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
Y. Zhou
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
Y. Zheng
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
X. Liu
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
*
* Address for correspondence: F. Fan, Ph.D., School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai Road, Guangzhou 510631, People's Republic of China. (Email: fangfan@scnu.edu.cn)
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Abstract

Background

This study examines the patterns and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom trajectories among adolescent survivors following the Wenchuan earthquake in China.

Method

A total of 1573 adolescent survivors were followed up at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-earthquake. Participants completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (PTSD-SS), Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Social Support Rate Scale, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Distinct patterns of PTSD symptom trajectories were established through grouping participants based on time-varying changes of developing PTSD (i.e. reaching the clinical cut-off on the PTSD-SS). Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine predictors for trajectory membership.

Results

PTSD prevalence rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 21.0, 23.3, 13.5 and 14.7%, respectively. Five PTSD symptom trajectories were observed: resistance (65.3% of the sample), recovery (20.0%), relapsing/remitting (3.3%), delayed dysfunction (4.2%) and chronic dysfunction (7.2%). Female gender and senior grade were related to higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms in at least one time point, whereas being an only child increased the possibility of recovery relative to chronic dysfunction. Family members’ injury/loss and witness of traumatic scenes could also cause PTSD chronicity. More negative life events, less social support, more negative coping and less positive coping were also common predictors for not developing resistance or recovery.

Conclusions

Adolescents’ PTSD symptoms showed an anniversary reaction. Although many adolescents remain euthymic or recover over time, some adolescents, especially those with the risk factors noted above, exhibit chronic, delayed or relapsing symptoms. Thus, the need for individualized intervention with these adolescents is indicated.

Keywords

Adolescent survivorslongitudinal studiespost-traumatic stress disorderpredictorstrajectories
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 45 , Issue 13 , October 2015 , pp. 2885 - 2896
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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