Psychiatric morbidity following Hurricane Andrew

The nature of psychiatric morbidity in previously non-ill subjects from the area most affected by Hurricane Andrew was investigated at 6-12 months posthurricane. Preliminary associations of morbidity with personal and event-related risk factors were also determined Fifty one percent (31/61) met criteria for a new-onset disorder; including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 36%, major depression (MD) in 30%, and other anxiety disorders in 20%. Thirty four subjects (56%) had significant symptoms persisting beyond 6 months. Having sustained ''severe damage'' was the risk factor most strongly associated with outcome. Our data underscore the range of psychiatric morbidity related to a natural disaster and suggest a relationship to chronic stressors.