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Objective: To determine the prevalence of traumatic experience (TE) among patients in psychiatric settings in Hong Kong and the associations between TE and levels of distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: 129 patients who have received inpatient psychiatric services were recruited. Their lifetime TE was assessed using the Life Event Checklist (LEC), and TE in psychiatric settings using the Psychiatric Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ). Their level of distress symptoms was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the level of anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: The prevalence of direct and indirect TE was 84.5%, as was the prevalence of TE in psychiatric settings. Common TE in psychiatric settings included witnessing another patient being taken down (61.2%), being put in restraints of any kind (41.1%), and witnessing another patient being physically assaulted by another patient (36.4%). TE in psychiatric settings associated with high prevalence of severe or extreme distress 1 week after the event included being forced to take medication against their will (52.2%), being threatened with physical violence (52.2%), and experiencing a physical assault (50.0%). Lifetime TE (the total number of LEC items reported) was associated with severity of distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms, whereas TE in psychiatric settings (the total number of PEQ items reported) was associated with severity of distress only. The total number of LEC items reported is the only predictor of levels of distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Lifetime TE and TE in psychiatric settings are common among patients with SMI. Trauma-informed care is suggested for mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study posttraumatic stress in patients after treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This prospective cohort study included 136 adult patients with critical medical and surgical problems who were discharged from the ICU of the Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong. Their occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression after ICU treatment were measured using the Impact of Event Scale--Revised and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patient ICU experience was measured using the ICU Memory Tool. Multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the predictors of PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Results: Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression were reported in 10% to 17% of patients. Symptom severity was associated with less factual memory, more vivid memory of feelings about and more delusional memory of the ICU experience, low emotional support, and high perceived life threat. Conclusions: Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression may occur after ICU treatment. Early identification and appropriate intervention for PTSD are important for rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Children's Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Participants and Methods: Sixty one children (aged 8 to 17 years) who attended the hospital accident and emergency service after road traffic accidents participated in the study. The Children's Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Children's Depression Inventory, and Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale completed by the children 1 month after the road traffic accidents were studied. Results: A 3-factor structure accounting for 72% of the variance was identified for the 11-item Children's Impact of Event Scale-Revised. The test-retest reliability was satisfactory; the moderate correlations between the Children's Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores (i.e. intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal), Children's Depression Inventory, and Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale supported the validity of the Children's Impact of Event Scale-Revised as a measure of post-traumatic stress in children. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis support generalisation of the post-traumatic stress disorder framework for the present sample of Chinese children. Conclusions: The 11-item Children's Impact of Event Scale-Revised has satisfactory psychometric properties as a screening instrument for stress responses after traumatic incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]