Mental Symptoms Induced by A Massive Outbreak of Infectious Disease (Enterhemorragic Escherichia Coli O157) in Elementary School Children: II Six cases of delayed and reactivated stress-related disorders including PTSD
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Accession number;04A0359683
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| Title;Mental Symptoms Induced by A Massive Outbreak of Infectious Disease (Enterhemorragic Escherichia Coli O157) in Elementary School Children: II Six cases of delayed and reactivated stress-related disorders including PTSD |
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Journal Title;Japanese Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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Journal Code:Z0387B
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ISSN:0289-0968
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VOL.44;NO.Supplement;PAGE.47-57(2003)
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| Figure&Table&Reference;TBL.2, REF.14 |
| Pub. Country;Japan |
| Language;English |
| Abstract;Delayed or reactivated stress-related disorders induced by a mass outbreak of infectious disease are reported. Over a period of 2 years, 9 months after the mass outbreak of E. coli O157, there were 38 psychiatric consultation requests. Six cases of PTSD and PTSD incomplete type which had worsened or been delayed for more than 6 months after the outbreak were investigated. As to the mental behavioral features before onset, four patients had over-sensitive, suppressive, and anxious attitudes towards relationships, and one physical anxiety. The subclinincal term was 6 to 11 months after the outbreak. All six patients had the main symptoms of delayed invasion, intrusive recollections or re-experiences of the event, and distress over and efforts to avoid food and school lunches. Five showed over-cautiousness, and four experienced hypervigilance and numbness. In addition, four showed compulsive checking behavior (e.g., death anxiety, invasion anxiety about infection), three had physical symptoms, and two illogical associated thoughts. All were treated by means of the intervention principles for the acute stage of PTSD, which therapy was effective in easing their symptoms. Symptoms of children who are anxious or very sensitive, may be aggravated by certain triggers. A major reason for symptom recurrence was that the children lacked opportunities for such mental crisis intervention as debriefing, therefore their internal integration was insufficient. In terms of mental health, schools need to provide overall preventative crisis intervention. (author abst.) |
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