J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.
2006 Jan;45(1):49-56.
A 3-Year Follow-Up Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among North Korean Defectors
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
- 2The Institute for Korean Unification Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Yonsei Counseling Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Department of Psychology, College of Social Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
- 5Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- 6Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. wtjeon@YUMC.yonsei.ac.kr
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study is a follow-up of a first survey of 200 North Korean defectors who entered South Korea in 2001. The purpose of this study is to examine changes in the current prevalence of partial PTSD and full PTSD after 3 years and to evaluate related factors.
METHODS
This study followed up on 151 of the 200 North Korean defectors from our first survey. 20 interviewers conducted face-to-face interviews and assisted defectors in completing a self-report assessment. The traumatic events which participants with chronic PTSD and delayed onset PTSD experienced were then examined.
RESULTS
Over the 3 years, the current prevalence rate of partial PTSD was reduced from 31.8% to 5.3%, and the current prevalence rate of full PTSD was reduced from 27.2% to 4.0%. Of particular interest was that 88.8% of those diagnosed with full or partial PTSD in the first survey had recovered after 3 years.
CONCLUSION
The current prevalence rate of partial and full PTSD rapidly decreased during 3 years.
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