Stress After Katrina

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - A new study suggests that in the aftermath
of Hurricane Katrina, about nearly one in five Gulf Coast residents
experienced post-traumatic stress disorder.
The University of Mississippi study's findings, part of a
research project funded by the National Science Foundation, were
made public in August at the American Psychological Association's
annual conference in Boston.
Researchers say the level of post-traumatic stress disorder
among the nearly 400 residents sampled appeared higher than that of
an average citizen. They say the study was not an in-depth
interview process so the total number of residents suffering from
PTSD is unknown without additional follow-up.
PTSD is defined as a strong emotional response with specific
symptoms as a result of an event perceived as life threatening.
---
Information from: Oxford Eagle, http://www.oxfordeagle.com


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)