Trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorders among adolescents in the area worst-hit by the Wenchuan earthquake

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examined the trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adolescents in the area worst-hit by the Wenchuan earthquake, and assessed the role of trauma exposure in differentiating distinct PTSD trajectories. MethodsIn total, 391 adolescents were selected from the Wenchuan and Maoxian counties in Sichuan province (the area worst-hit by the earthquake). Participants completed a trauma exposure questionnaire at 1 year, and the Child PTSD Symptom Scale at 1 year, 1.5 years, 2 years, and 2.5 years after the earthquake. ResultsThree latent PTSD trajectories were found in adolescents: moderate-stable (81.6%), decreasing (8.7%), and increasing trajectories (9.7%). T1 trauma exposure was more likely to be related to the decreasing trajectory group. LimitationsAll variables were measured by self-report scales. There was high non-random dropout. ConclusionThe course of PTSD was heterogeneous among adolescents following the same natural disaster.