POSTTRAUMATIC RESPONSES TO AERIAL BOMBING

A refugee population exposed to aerial bombing was assessed for psycho social sequelae within two months. Forty-three members over 15 years w ere interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Seventy-four percent had experienced an immediate but transient stress reaction. Subsequen tly, PTSD, anxiety, depressive and somatic symptoms were common. Forty -four percent met the DSM III diagnostic criteria for PTSD. In additio n, social withdrawal, irritability and hostility, interpersonal relati onship problems and functional disability were found. Although a varie ty of psychosocial symptoms were seen, it is suggested that part of th is response be considered as manifestation of a healthy, normal attemp t to cope with a severely traumatizing experience. The effects of coll ective trauma and social methods of treatment are also described. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd