“Fascinating” research
Commenting on the findings fin an interview, Patricia A. Resick, PhD, who was not involved in the study, said she found the research fascinating.
“The fact that they had preexisting data and then had the wherewithal to go back after the earthquake is quite amazing,” she said.
The findings came as little surprise to Dr. Resick, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.
“I think most people are in agreement that the more stress you have, the more likely you are to get PTSD when you experience a traumatic stressor,” she said.
Treating these individuals remains a challenge, Dr. Resick noted, though knowing their history of stressors and traumas is an important starting point.
“We have to get a good history and figure out where to start treating them, because we always want to start with the event that causes the most PTSD symptoms,” she explained.
She also characterized the issue as being as much a public health concern as one for psychiatrists. “These are people you will want to have surveillance on and encourage them to get help,” Dr. Resick added.
Dr. Fernandez agreed.
“In the face of a disaster,” she said, “there needs to be more attention paid to vulnerable populations, because they likely don’t have the support they need.
“At the clinical level, these findings help the clinician know which patients are more likely to need more intensive services,” Dr. Buka added. “And the more trauma and hardship they’ve experienced, the more attention they need and the less likely they’re going to be able to cope and manage on their own.”
The study was funded by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health and FONDEF Chile. Dr. Fernandez, Dr. Buka, and Dr. Resick have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article originally appeared on Medscape.com.