Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions in Children After the 1988 Armenian Earthquake

This article reports on a random screening of 231 children 18 months after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. Findings indicate that after catastrophic natural disasters, post-traumatic reactions in children may reach epidemic proportions, remain high for a prolonged period, & jeopardise the well-being of the child population of a large region. Systematic screening of children for PTSD can provide critical information for a rational mental health programme after such a disaster. (73 Refs.)