The Göteborg discothèque fire, 1998

Abstract

Findings from a study of 563 adolescents' reactions following a discotheque fire that killed 63 young people in Göteborg in October 1998 are presented. The group answered a questionnaire seven months following the disaster. The questionnaire included the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS). The level of trauma was found to be very high, while depression scores were less elevated. A little under a third of the students scored above a clinical cut-off point (> 35) on the IES, indicating high posttraumatic stress levels. Girls evidenced more depression and traumatic stress reactions than boys. Levels of reactions increased with more closeness (knowing victims personally) and if the adolescents were of non-Swedish origin.

The Göteborg discotheque fire: posttraumatic stress, and school adjustment as reported by the primary victims 18 months later

“…A background questionnaire , based on a previous investigation of the aftermath of the Göteborg discotheque fire (Dyregrov, Frykholm, Lilled, Broberg, & Holmberg, 2003), contained demographic questions, and questions regarding activities at the school following the fire, as well as support from the school, family and friends.…”

Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress, Depression and Anxiety among Youths Exposed to a Massive Fire Disaster in Greece

“…The experience of a major disaster has been shown to provoke a range of stress responses, maladaptive reactions, mental health symptoms and diagnosable psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents (Bromet and Dew, 1995;Norris et al, 2002). However, relatively little research has been published regarding the impact of a fire disaster on youths' mental health (Dyregrov et al, 2003;Jones and Ribbe, 1991;Jones et al, 1994;Jones et al, 2002;Kim et al, 2009;Lundin and Jansson, 2007;Maja et al, 2008;March et al, 1997;McDermott and Palmer, 2002;Reijneveld et al, 2003;Yelland et al, 2010). In the first two months to over a year after a fire, the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents has been estimated at 11.9% to 27% (Dyregrov et al, 2003;Kim et al, 2009;March et al, 1997;Yelland et al, 2010).…”

“…However, relatively little research has been published regarding the impact of a fire disaster on youths' mental health (Dyregrov et al, 2003;Jones and Ribbe, 1991;Jones et al, 1994;Jones et al, 2002;Kim et al, 2009;Lundin and Jansson, 2007;Maja et al, 2008;March et al, 1997;McDermott and Palmer, 2002;Reijneveld et al, 2003;Yelland et al, 2010). In the first two months to over a year after a fire, the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents has been estimated at 11.9% to 27% (Dyregrov et al, 2003;Kim et al, 2009;March et al, 1997;Yelland et al, 2010). The prevalence rates of depression and internalizing problems have been shown to range from 18.5% to 27% four to seven months post-fire (Dyregrov et al, 2003;Reijneveld et al, 2003).…”

Psychosocial functioning after losing a close friend in an extreme terror incident

“…Perceived closeness to victims has previously been found to be positively associated with stronger reactions following disasters (Dyregrov, Frykholm, Lilled, Broberg, & Holmberg, 2003). The intensity of the grief reactions may then be better predicted by the emotional relation one had to the deceased (Pfefferbaum et al, 2000;Rheingold et al, 2012;Servaty-Seib & Pistole, 2006-2007.…”