Psychiatric Characteristics of Wounded Persons of Daegu Subway Fire Accident after Six Years

대구시 지하철 화재사고 부상자들의 6년후 정신과적 특성

Objective : This study examined psychiatric characteristics of wounded persons of Daegu subway fire accident occurring in February 2003 after six years. Methods : 103 wounded persons completed psychometric measures at 2 months and 6 years after the accident. Changes of psychiatric symptoms were compared and factors affecting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seriousness were examined. Results : In Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the scores of Psychopathic Deviate (Pd), Masculinity/ Femininity (Mf), Social Introversion (Si) scales were significantly changed over time. The scores of Symptoms Checklist-90-Revision subscales were mostly decreased over time, however, paranoid ideation (PAR) subsclae scores were not significantly changed over time. In all of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-State, Beck Depression Inventory, Impact of Event Scale, and PTSD Checklist-Civilian, mean scores at 6 years after the accident were significantly lower than those at 2 months after the accident. However, STAI-Trait score was not significantly changed over time. Total seriousness of PTSD was found to be affected by quality of sleep. Conclusions : Psychiatric symptoms of subjects were largely improved over time, but distrust and doubt of others were continued. In addition, the wounded persons suffered from sleep problems. Therefore, early and continuous interventions of public institutions and public health specialists are needed for the wounded persons with chronic psychiatric disorders.