Longitudinal changes in recalled perceived life threat after a natural disaster.
BACKGROUND
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis often depends on a retrospective, self-report of exposure to a life-threatening event.


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


METHODS
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.
Heir
Trond
T
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Building 48, Kirkeveien 166, Oslo N-0407, Norway. trond.heir@medisin.uio.no
Piatigorsky
Auran
A
Weisaeth
Lars
L
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001210:Asia, Southeastern; D004190:Disasters; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010465:Perception; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011599:Psychopathology; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D055871:Tidal Waves; D055815:Young Adult