The Long-Term Effect of Trauma for Disaster Victims

The literature on the prevalence of traumatic exposure among older adults is vast; but only during the last years have data emerged about the actual lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in late life, and the chronic course of the disorder. One of the main risk factors for the development of PTSD is exposure to multiple traumatic events. Therefore older adults with a past history of trauma are at increased risk of mental health sequelae when exposed to a disaster. Past history of trauma is also associated with comorbid medical and mental illnesses, further complicating the delivery of care immediately following a disaster, among this group of vulnerable older adults. This chapter reviews the topic with special focus on Holocaust Survivors for which a very long-term follow up since the initial traumatic event is available.