Post-traumatic Stress and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents After the 2015 Earthquake in Nepal: A Longitudinal Study

Few longitudinal studies have focused on mental health problems among adolescents after earthquakes. We investigated changes in post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms from 18 to 31 months after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal and explored potential risk factors associated with th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Child psychiatry and human development 2022-06, Vol.53 (3), p.430-439
Main Authors: Silwal, Sanju, Chudal, Roshan, Dybdahl, Ragnhild, Sillanmäki, Lauri, Lien, Lars, Sourander, Andre
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Change agents
Child & adolescent psychiatry
Child and School Psychology
Delayed
Early intervention
Earthquakes
Emergency preparedness
Health problems
Longitudinal studies
Mental depression
Mental disorders
Mental health
Original
Original Article
Post traumatic stress disorder
Psychiatric symptoms
Psychiatry
Psychology
Risk factors
Stress
Symptoms
Teenagers
Trauma
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Summary:Few longitudinal studies have focused on mental health problems among adolescents after earthquakes. We investigated changes in post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms from 18 to 31 months after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal and explored potential risk factors associated with the change in psychiatric symptoms. This study comprised of 515 adolescents, aged 11–17 years from two earthquake-affected areas, one severely affected than the other. The psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the standardized Child Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale and the Depression Self-Rating Scale. No significant change was observed in the prevalence of PTSS and depressive symptoms from 18 to 31 months after the earthquake. Living in severely affected area and exposure to trauma after the earthquake were associated with adolescents who developed chronic or delayed PTSS and depressive symptoms. The study findings highlight the need for disaster preparedness and early interventions that strengthen support at various levels.
ISSN:0009-398X
1573-3327
DOI:10.1007/s10578-021-01136-3