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Longitudinal changes in recalled perceived life threat after a natural disaster

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Trond Heir ,
Auran Piatigorsky  and
Lars Weisæth
Trond Heir*
Affiliation:
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Oslo, Norway
Auran Piatigorsky
Affiliation:
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Oslo, Norway
Lars Weisæth
Affiliation:
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Oslo, Norway
*
Trond Heir, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Building 48, Kirkeveien 166, N-0407 Oslo, Norway. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis often depends on a retrospective, self-report of exposure to a life-threatening event.

Aims

To examine the stability of recalled perceived life threat in a community sample exposed to a distinct stressful event.

Method

Five hundred and thirty-two Norwegian citizens who experienced the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami completed a self-report questionnaire 6 and 24 months post-disaster. The questionnaire measured perceived life-threat intensity, exposure, immediate stress response, psychopathology, personality dimensions, self-efficacy and social support.

Results

Recalled threat intensity increased from 6 to 24 months (P <0.001). Recall amplification was associated with lack of PTSD symptom improvement (P < 0.05), but not with degree of exposure, immediate stress response, mood or stress symptoms, personality, self-efficacy or social support.

Conclusions

Recall amplification of perceived life threat from a single stressful event occurs in the general population, it may hinder PTSD symptom improvement and it questions the diagnostic validity of PTSD.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 194 , Issue 6 , June 2009 , pp. 510 - 514
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2009 

Footnotes

†

See editorial, pp. 479–480, this issue.

This study was supported by the Norwegian Directorate of Health and Social Affairs.

Declaration of interest

None.

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