Aging as risk factor of post-traumatic stress disorder
5th International Conference on Psychiatrist, Geriatric Psychiatry and Counseling Psychology
December 08-09, 2016 San Antonio, USA

Andres Fontalba Navas

Malaga University Medical School, Spain

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Background: Post-disaster mental health problems may affect population in different ways. Population exposure to a natural disaster has been associated with psychological distress, in particular, in the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Most people experience distress after their exposure to an extreme event. For people with good psychosocial resilience and access to social support, mental health problems can be relatively less important since supporting relationships and inner capabilities may begin the adaptation processes. Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of flooding on mental health population, particularly on the general health and the symptom�??s emergence of PTSD. Methods: A random sampling method was conducted in a population affected by a flood occurred in September 2012, an area of 20.000 inhabitants in the North of Almería (Spain) (N=70). The control population was a near region (30 Km) of 30.000 inhabitants non-affected by the flood (N=41). The sample were screened with a socio-demographic questionnaire, 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Questionnaire to rate Traumatic Experiences (TQ). We also counted the distribution of stress exposure among people with various kinds of exposures (physical risk or/and economical losses). Results: The mean age of the individuals was 53, 69 years, SD 15.99. Distribution by sex was 34.62% men �?? 65.38% women. There were no statistical differences between age and genders between case and control population. There were statistical differences in TQ scores between case populations (5.39) vs. control population (1.8). An association between age and TQ scores was demonstrated, increasing TQ scores by age. Also, there were no statistical differences between individuals that suffered physical risk in the flood versus people that didn�??t suffered in TQ scores. On the other hand, a multiple regression model was adjusted by age and sex. Significant differences were found in the TQ scores mean values for individuals that suffered economical losses (9.51 TQ score) versus individuals that didn�??t suffered it (2.94). Conclusions: Older people were more likely to develop PTSD. It�??s necessary to consider secondary stressors, such as economical losses in the development of PTSD.

Biography :

Email: andresfontalba@gmail.com