Study of Post Traumatic Stress Symptomatology in Adolescent Girls.

ABSTRACT

Background: Exceptionally stressful life events are known to cause severe psychological symptoms especially in the more vulnerable women and children. Objective: The psychological morbidity of students of secondary school victims of stampede were studied. Methods: Students of secondary school victims of stampede were assessed during their admission at tertiary care teaching hospital and cross-sectional assessment was done after eight weeks of the trauma. Using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Child’s Reaction to Traumatic Events Scale-Revised (CRTES-Revised). Results: Four (30%) of the admitted children developed acute stress disorder. 22 children were in high distress group and 5 in moderate distress group on CRTESQ-R on assessment after eight weeks. The preliminary findings of the study suggest high levels of psychological morbidity in stampede victims and its implications are being discussed. Conclusions: The high levels of psychological morbidity in stampede victims suggest the need for immediate intervention by mental health professionals in terms of providing both non pharmacological - individual and family counseling, psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions.