Anxiety Mood.  2018 Oct;14(2):80-87. 10.24986/anxmod.2018.14.2.80.

Clinical Characteristics of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among North Korean Defectors

• Lee KE
• An JH
• Kim DE
• Moon CS
• Hong JP

• KMID: 2430368
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24986/anxmod.2018.14.2.80

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalence and clinical characteristics of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in North Korean defectors (NKD).
METHODS
The study population consisted of 300 NKDs registered in the multi-regional adaptation center (Hana Center), within three years of settling in South Korea. We conducted in-person interviews and a survey with each subject, based on the North Korean version of the WHO-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (NK-CIDI) and various clinical scales.
RESULTS
Lifetime prevalence of PTSD in NKDs was 15.3%, approximately nine times higher than South Koreans (1.7%). Although experiencing broader type of traumas with higher rate than South Koreans, NKDs revealed lower odds of PTSD in most type of trauma (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
NKDs are at higher risk of experiencing different types of trauma than the general population in South Korea, and it is further validated that prevalence of PTSD is also higher. Careful evaluation for comorbid psychiatric symptoms and type of traumas prior to PTSD treatment for NKDs is necessary to facilitate more appropriate intervention for each subject, according to personal experience.

Keyword

North Korean defectors; Prevalence; Post-traumatic stress disorder

MeSH Terms

Humans
Korea
Prevalence
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic*
Weights and Measures