Post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in victims of Tokyo subway attack: a 5‐year follow‐up study

Abstract  Sarin gas was dispersed in a Tokyo subway in 1995. This study investigates the mental and somatic symptoms of the 34 victims 5 years after the attack. Structured interviews (Clinician‐Administered Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder [CAPS] and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and self‐rating questionnaires were used to assess the symptoms. Not only post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but also non‐specific mental symptoms persisted in the victims at a high rate. A total of 11 victims were diagnosed with current or lifetime PTSD according to CAPS. Victims with PTSD showed higher anxiety levels and more visual memory impairment. A significant correlation between the total score of Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R) and CAPS was found, indicating that IES‐R is a useful tool for evaluating PTSD.

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