Storm Alex: acute stress responses in the pediatric population

Abstract

Introduction: On 2 October 2020, a violent storm (Alex) reached the French Riviera and caused significant damage in three inhabited valleys in the hinterland of the city of Nice. Entire populations were exposed to prolonged stress (no means of communication, electricity nor water) and were particularly at risk of suffering from psychological consequences. We first hypothesized that a majority of children would experience an acute stress reaction. However, we also hypothesized that their clinical expression would differ depending on their developmental age. Thus, we aimed to evaluate, according to the child’s level of development, the presence of acute stress symptoms. Methods: Consecutive interviews with the child/adolescent and his/her parents were conducted by child and adolescent psychologists and psychiatrists to assess symptomatology following storm Alex (from day 1 to day 3). Each interview assessed nine classes of symptoms that have been compared according to age-groups. Results: 116 children have been evaluated (0.2-17.6 years, mean 9.1). The 0-5-years-old showed more agitation as well as developmental regression than children aged 6-11 (p =.011, p =.045) and 12-18 years (p