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Although some studies have examined the long‐term effects of disasters, very little is known about severe persistent symptoms following disasters. The aim of the present study was to examine persistent mental health problems and to what extent disaster exposure predicts long‐term persistent disturbances.

Following a major disaster, a four‐wave study was conducted (surveys 2–3 weeks, 18 months, 4 years and 10 years after the event) that examined severe post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology (Impact of Event Scale), anxiety and depression symptoms and sleeping problems (Symptom Check List‐90‐R), and use of physician‐prescribed tranquilizers. Participants were affected adult Dutch native residents (n = 1083). At wave 2 and 3, a control group participated (n = 694). At wave 1, severity of disaster exposure was examined. Multiple imputation was used to target the …