Posttraumatic stress symptoms, co-morbid psychiatric symptoms and distorted cognitions among flood victims of different ages

Abstract

Background: In literature, the effect of age on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inconclusive; the effect on flood-related PTSD is particularly unclear. Little is known on distorted cognitions among flood victims, although cognition distortions and PTSD have been linked among victims of other traumas.

Aims: To investigate: (1) whether flood-related PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity and cognitive distortions would differ according to age and (2) distinctive patterns of association between the preceding variables for different age groups.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-four flood victims of different ages completed standardized questionnaires measuring PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity and cognitive distortions.

Results: Adolescents and young adults reported significantly fewer PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity and distorted cognition symptoms than people who were older. Preoccupation with danger and hopelessness were associated with both outcomes for adolescents, people in their thirties and middle-aged/older people. For young adults, helplessness was associated with PTSD; hopelessness and preoccupation with danger with psychiatric co-morbidity.

Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults buffered against flood-related psychological distress better than older people. Distorted cognitions related to distress outcomes differently depending on age.

Keywords:

• Age differences
• distorted cognitions
• flood disaster
• posttraumatic stress disorder

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.