Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Indian Perspective

Asian Indians in the United States and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Interventions: A Narrative Literature Review

“…Asian Indians report traumatic experiences before, during, or after immigration to the U.S., such as natural disasters, witnessing violent death of family members, war/conflict, torture as political prisoners, medical-related traumas, interpersonal traumas (e.g., domestic violence), and racial traumas (Dar & Deb, 2021; Dolan et al, in press; A. R. Gilmoor et al, 2019; Kaduvettoor-Davidson & Inman, 2013; Lee & Lu, 1989; Maji et al, 2021; Pillaia et al, 2015; Rechsteiner et al, 2019). One cross-sectional study conducted in the Kashmir Valley of India indicated that ∼33% of participants reported high traumatic exposure, and ∼24% reported experiencing >14 traumatic events amidst ongoing conflict and war (Dar & Deb, 2021).…”

“…Asian Indians may also prefer a holistic therapeutic approach for PTSD that adheres to a broader definition of wellness incorporating emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being (Asnaani et al, in press) given the collectivistic nature and religious/spiritual orientation of this community. This holistic approach may include indigenous treatments (yoga), local/communal rituals, Ayurvedic practices, prayer, or seeking help from spiritual healers (Agger et al, 2012; Ahammed, 2019; Housen et al, 2019; Pillaia et al, 2015; Tewary, 2005). Indeed, a study on psychiatric inpatients in India found that 75% of patients sought faith-healing rituals before seeking medical help and found these rituals to be beneficial (Kar, 2008).…”

“…Finally, we acknowledge the debate and dearth of research on whether PTSD is a cross-culturally valid diagnostic construct for Asian Indians (Gilmoor et al, 2019; *Hall-Clark et al, 2016; Mehta et al, 2005; Pillaia et al, 2015). Limited evidence suggests that Asian American clients and their clinicians have similar assessments of the severity/type of experienced PTSD symptoms (*Hall-Clark et al, 2016), and there is correspondence between distress symptoms (somatic, behavioral, cognitive, social) reported by Asian Indians when assessing for PTSD and symptoms queried by PTSD measures used in the Western culture (e.g., Hopkins Symptoms Checklist; Housen et al, 2019).…”

“…Traumatic events are etiologically linked to the experience of PTSD symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts and memories, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative changes in cognition and mood, and arousal (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). A recent review found prevalence estimates of PTSD among Asian Indians living in India to be as high as 70-90% in some studies (A. R. Gilmoor et al, 2019;Pillaia et al, 2015), and a recent study indicated a prevalence rate of ∼41% for probable PTSD among Asian Indians living in India during the COVID-19 pandemic (Georgieva et al, 2021). Notably, average prevalence rates of PTSD are higher among Asian Indians reporting abuse experiences (28%) and natural disasters (31%; A. R. Gilmoor et al, 2019).…”

Post-traumatic stress disorder among flood survivors of Kodagu subdistrict in Karnataka: a cross sectional study

“…It is also found in many Indian settings after natural disasters like earthquake, cyclones, tsunami, flood and in numerous man-made disasters like community riots, terrorism, partner violence, road traffic accidents and including extreme physical diseases. 10,11 Most of the victims of the flood are afraid of the reoccurrence of flood damaging their livelihood and the after task requires massive time and money used to clean and repair their houses. 12 Perse, in Indian context, damage to the house and properties, physical injury to self or family member, and death of the family members are the factors that influence negative effect on the livelihood, fuelling to the risk of developing PTSD.…”