TY - JOUR
T1 - Prevalence of mental disorders after catastrophic financial loss
AU - Ganzini, Linda
AU - McFarland, Bentson H.
AU - Cutler, David
PY - 1990/11
Y1 - 1990/11
N2 - In a controlled study, the authors determined the risk of developing major mental illness after catastrophic financial loss. Seventy-two adults who lost their retirement savings in a bank fraud were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Major depression by DSM-III criteria was present in 29% of the victims during the first 20 months after their loss as compared with 2% of 66 age, gender, and residential area-matched control subjects (p <.0001). Generalized anxiety disorder as defined by DSM-III criteria was experienced by 27% of victims after the loss as compared with 10% of control subjects (p =.03). After the loss, victims had lower subjective health ratings, more functional somatic complaints, and higher tranquilizer usage than control subjects. There was no difference between depressed and nondepressed in types of coping responses or use of social supports and confidants. Only four of 21 victims who suffered major depression sought help from a mental health professional. We conclude that catastrophic financial loss may result in the onset of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
AB - In a controlled study, the authors determined the risk of developing major mental illness after catastrophic financial loss. Seventy-two adults who lost their retirement savings in a bank fraud were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Major depression by DSM-III criteria was present in 29% of the victims during the first 20 months after their loss as compared with 2% of 66 age, gender, and residential area-matched control subjects (p <.0001). Generalized anxiety disorder as defined by DSM-III criteria was experienced by 27% of victims after the loss as compared with 10% of control subjects (p =.03). After the loss, victims had lower subjective health ratings, more functional somatic complaints, and higher tranquilizer usage than control subjects. There was no difference between depressed and nondepressed in types of coping responses or use of social supports and confidants. Only four of 21 victims who suffered major depression sought help from a mental health professional. We conclude that catastrophic financial loss may result in the onset of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
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U2 - 10.1097/00005053-199011000-00002
DO - 10.1097/00005053-199011000-00002
M3 - Article
C2 - 2230754
AN - SCOPUS:0025202385
SN - 0022-3018
VL - 178
SP - 680
EP - 685
JO - Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
JF - Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
IS - 11
ER -