SINTOMATOLOGÍA Y PREVALENCIA DEL TRASTORNO DE ESTRÉS POSTRAUMÁTICO ENTRE LOS ESTUDIANTES DE PSICOLOGÍA CLÍNICA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DE MANABÍ

Abstract

This article analyzes the symptomatology and prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder following a seismic event that occurred on April 16, 2016 (16A) in Ecuador and its consequences on the university population. For this purpose, updated bibliographic documentation was considered and tests and questionnaires were applied to different students belonging to the Clinical Psychology career at the Universidad Tecnica de Manabi with a sample of 226 students chosen from an unintentional condition. The test used in the present investigation was the Global Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress scale, which refers to the assessment of traumatic events, symptomatology and the functioning of the individual as stipulated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). It is known that the prevalence of post-traumatic stress is significantly higher after an event as occurred with the 16A earthquake. Therefore, the objective of this article is to determine the number of people presenting symptomatology to be diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In the majority of students, there is no significant affectation, with the prevalence of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder being 3.2% of the population, the same being expected due to the results found in the literature review (Campbell et al. 2007; Ekşi et al., 2007; Lai, Chang, Connor, Lee, & Davidson, 2004; McMillen, North, & Smith, 2000). There is also specific symptomatology that affects a greater percentage of the studied population, but this does not interfere in the performance of their daily activities and according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) does not meet the criteria required to be considered as a disorder. Those who have the loss of a family member or acquaintance suffer permanent injuries and those who suffer significant damage to their homes are continually exposed to favor the appearance of clinical symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress due to their vulnerability due to the event. Therefore, it is important to make the necessary intervention adjustments to detect the affected population, and thus focus on psychological assistance to improve the mental health of people exposed to such situations.