Impact of bereavement among relatives in Italy and Sweden after the Linate airplane disaster

• Objectives Victims of major disasters are at risk for development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was to compare two groups of bereaved relatives from Italy and Sweden, and to examine the role of psychosocial support and psychological reactions 18 months after traumatic bereavement. Method 153 bereaved relatives of deceased victims in the Milano/Linate air plane crash were assessed through a questionnaire. Reactions of psychological distress were measured by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Results In the total group 53, 2 % showed symptoms indicating that they might meet the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. The frequency was higher among the Italian relatives (58.7%) compared to the Swedish (42, 6 %). Females compared to males showed more signs of posttraumatic reactions in the total population as did spouses and parents within the Italian group. The general health status, measured by subjective evaluation, was significantly affected in both groups as a result of the disaster. A significant recovery after 18 months was reported, although not to the pre-accident level. The Swedish relatives had a pattern of using more psychotherapy compared to the Italians among whom it was more common to use medication both for anxiety and sleeping problems. The need for psychotherapy and medication was related to higher scores on IES-R. Conclusions: (1) Traumatic losses deeply affect bereaved relatives. Health is affected and a large group of these relatives develop strong symptoms of post-traumatic stress. (2) Swedish bereaved relatives seem to be more apt to ask for professional help, e.g. psychotherapy, while in Italy it is more common to rely on family, friends and medication. (3) Acute organized psychosocial support in the aftermath can possibly facilitate for victims to handle a traumatic loss but it does not prevent the development of strong post-traumatic reactions. Future investigations may show how it is possible to optimize the help with more specific interventions of support and treatment.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Airplane disaster

bereavement

posttraumatic stress reactions

traumatic grief

general health

psychosocial support

Linate

Psychiatry

Psykiatri

Psykiatri

Psychiatry

Psychology

Psykologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)