Study looks at stress after Katrina OXFORD, MISS. (AP) (wrkf) - A new study suggests that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, about nearly one in five Gulf Coast residents experienced post-traumatic stress disorder.

The University of Mississippi study's findings, part of a research project funded by the National Science Foundation, were made public in August at the American Psychological Association's annual conference in Boston.

Researchers say the level of post-traumatic stress disorder among the nearly 400 residents sampled appeared higher than that of an average citizen. They say the study was not an in-depth interview process so the total number of residents suffering from PTSD is unknown without additional follow-up.

PTSD is defined as a strong emotional response with specific symptoms as a result of an event perceived as life threatening. © Copyright 2009, wrkf