Authors: Jennifer S. Berg¹; Thomas A. Grieger²; James L. Spira¹

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 170, Number 1, January 2005 , pp. 44-47(4)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

Objective: This study assessed the stress reactions of a submarine crew forced to abandon their vessel in high seas after flooding and fire damaged their ship. Methods: The remaining crew members (n = 22) were surveyed 7 months after the incident regarding exposures, initial emotional responses, peritraumatic dissociation, subsequent life events, current safety appraisal, and current symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Results: At 7 months, 9.1% met criteria for PTSD and none met criteria for depression. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with previous traumatic exposures, subsequent life events, and higher levels of PTSD symptoms; higher levels of PTSD symptoms were associated with greater peritraumatic dissociation and initial emotional response. Conclusion: Acute exposures of highly trained professionals to potentially fatal events may not result in high levels of posttraumatic symptoms. Previous and subsequent life events may play a more significant role in the level of postdisaster symptoms.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Mental Health Services Department, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92134. 2: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Publication date: 2005-01-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
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