According to published research led by psychologist Dr. Geneviève Belleville, approximately 37.7 per cent of adult evacuees exhibited symptoms consistent with at least one probable mental-health disorder one year after the May 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. The findings, tracking the disaster’s psychological aftermath and remote treatment trials as the 10th anniversary year of the Fort McMurray wildfire moves toward its close, highlight persistent issues including insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression among affected residents.
One-Year Prevalence and Mental Health Aftermath
The data showed that about one in five respondents screened positive for more than one probable condition. Insomnia emerged as the most prevalent issue, affecting an estimated 28.5 per cent of respondents.
The study’s results revealed that generalized anxiety disorder affected 14.2 per cent, major depression was present in 15 per cent, and probable post-traumatic stress disorder appeared in 15.4 per cent, alongside 7.9 per cent who screened positive for substance-use disorder.
Risk Factors and Overlapping Conditions
Pre-existing mental-health struggles and economic pressures worsened outcomes, according to the study. Researchers found that individuals who experienced psychological difficulties before the fire faced greater risk across all five categories. Financial stress tied to Fort McMurray’s economic downturn before the wildfire also correlated with poorer psychological outcomes.
The research documented substantial overlap between diagnoses. Among respondents screening positive for probable PTSD, 87.1 per cent also met criteria for at least one other disorder. Furthermore, more than 94 per cent of those with probable major depression or generalized anxiety had at least one additional probable diagnosis.
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As noted by Dr. Geneviève Belleville’s team, disaster investigations have historically concentrated heavily on depression and PTSD while devoting comparatively little focus to sleep, even though mounting data shows persistent sleep difficulties rank among the most frequent reactions following traumatic incidents.
Early Symptoms and the Focus on Sleep
Online questionnaires completed by 379 evacuees between July and September 2016 formed the basis of earlier research into the immediate aftermath, during which self-report questionnaires yielded a provisional PTSD diagnosis for nearly 63 per cent of those respondents, while a subgroup of 55 participants underwent standardized clinical interviews revealing that 43.6 per cent met criteria for insomnia, 25.5 per cent for major depression, and 29.1 per cent for DSM-5 criteria for PTSD.
Sleep problems persisted as a dominant challenge. Trouble falling or staying asleep was reported by 72.5 per cent of respondents in the early survey and remained the most prevalent probable disorder in the subsequent one-year population study.
Testing Remote Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
To address ongoing symptoms, researchers tested RESILIENT, a 12-session online cognitive behavioural therapy program designed for Fort McMurray evacuees experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression or insomnia. The treatment integrated behavioural activation, exposure therapy, psychoeducation, problem solving, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness and relaxation, alongside sleep hygiene and other cognitive behavioural techniques for insomnia, all supported by minimal therapist interaction.
A randomized controlled trial involving 136 residents showed that access to the program produced significant reductions in PTSD, depression, insomnia, and anxiety symptoms, alongside reduced disability. More than half of the intent-to-treat analysis group showed clinically important improvement in at least one primary outcome, while 82.4 per cent of participants completing half the treatment reached that threshold. Most improvements were maintained three months later, though researchers noted that participation and adherence remain challenges for remote interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proportion of Fort McMurray evacuees experienced mental health issues a year after the fire?
According to a population survey of 1,510 adult evacuees led by Dr. Geneviève Belleville, 37.7 per cent had symptoms consistent with at least one probable mental-health disorder one year after the disaster.
What was the most common mental health condition reported?
Insomnia was the most prevalent condition, affecting an estimated 28.5 per cent of respondents in the one-year follow-up study.
Did online therapy prove effective for evacuees?
Yes, a randomized controlled trial of the RESILIENT online cognitive behavioural therapy program showed significant symptom reductions in PTSD, depression, insomnia, and anxiety among participants.
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