Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be experienced by people who survive a natural disaster.
Natural disasters include:
(1) earthquake
(2) flood
(3) hurricane
(4) tornado
(5) volcanic eruption
(6) massive fire
Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
(1) pediatric patient or older age
(2) female gender
(3) socially isolated (unmarried, divorced, widowed, restricted social participation)
(4) ethnic minority
(5) death of one or more family members
(6) no household income and no economic resources
(7) heavily damaged or destroyed home
(8) region heavily damaged
Other factors:
(1) having a life-threatening experience
(2) serious injuries (burns, etc)
(3) witnessing death or serious injuries in others
(4) being a first responder
(5) pre-existing PTSD or psychological disorder
