The British Journal of Psychiatry (2009) 194: 510-514. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.108.056580
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Longitudinal changes in recalled perceived life threat after a natural disaster{dagger}

Trond Heir, MD, PhD, Auran Piatigorsky, PhD and Lars Weisæth, MD, PhD

Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Oslo, Norway

Correspondence: Trond Heir, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Building 48, Kirkeveien 166, N-0407 Oslo, Norway. Email: trond.heir{at}medisin.uio.no

Declaration of interest

None.

Funding

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

{dagger} See editorial, pp. 479–480, this issue.

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.


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