Abstract
Objectives. Psychological consequences of natural disasters are outlined in the paper, and a variety offactors affecting the development and persistence of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are discussed.
Review. The prevalence of PTSD resulting from cataclysms varies depending on the time interval between traumatic experiences and the diagnosis, as well as on the extent and duration of damage. Significant factors increasing the risk for PTSD include: intensity and suddenness of the disaster, loss or irreversible damage to the flat/house, and death of relatives due to the disaster.
Conclusions. PTSD symptoms persist longer in individuals who received neither economic nor psychological support.