Signs and Symptoms of psychological response after traumatic events: result from Thailand National Mental Health Survey 2013

Abstract

Objectives:To compare the differences in psychological response and associated sysptoms between a manmade and naturat disaster in different regions of Thailand.

Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was done of people 18 and over from Thailand’s four regions and Bangkok using stratified four-stage cluster sampling All subjects

were given the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0. The data were analyzed then compared using the chi-square tests. with Rao-Scott correction.

Results:We identified 292 subjects had faced traumatic events (86 manmade, 206 naturaldiasters) and psychological response. Males were more likely to be stressed from a manmade disasters than females (71.3% vs. 28.7%, respectively), while females were more likely to be

stressed from a natural disasters (61.2% vs. 38.8%, respectively). The highest prevalence of facing a manmade disasters was in the northeast region (36.6%), while the highest prevalence of facing a natural disaster was in the centnal region (35.7%). Re-experience and hyper-arousal

symptoms were found significantly more often after a manmade disasters than a natural disaster. There were no significant differences in symptoms between regions.

Conclusion:The findings emphasize the importance of the screening for mental health problemsafter traumatic events. as it provides essential information for cffective treatment Rlawning and development of a surveillance system.