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

Abstract

Background: This 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.

Methods: In 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.

Results: Three 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.

Limitations: All variables were measured by self-report scales. There was high non-random dropout.

Conclusion: The course of PTSD was heterogeneous among adolescents following the same natural disaster.

Keywords: Adolescents; PTSD; Trajectories.