The dead passenger has been identified as a 73-year-old Briton, Geoff Kitchen.
He was a retired insurance professional and musical theatre director at the time of his death, according to British media reports.
A total of 41 passengers remain hospitalised across three hospitals in Bangkok, according to the latest update from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital on Sunday.
Dr Annabelle Chow – the principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology – said that up to a month after the incident, those affected may experience ASD, which includes symptoms such as recurrent and involuntary flashbacks, appetite and sleep changes, as well as memory gaps.
However, they may be diagnosed with PTSD instead if symptoms persist past the one-month mark.
PTSD has been known to affect a person’s social functioning and physical well-being, said Dr Chow.
One may also develop an anxiety disorder, and experience panic attacks and physiological responses like a rapid heartbeat, sweating and nausea.
Dr Oh pointed out that the incident could also have been vicariously traumatic for the loved ones of those on board SQ321, who could develop similar reactions despite not having been on the plane.
She gave reassurance, however, that with adequate support, trauma’s impact on the brain is reversible.
To increase their feelings of perceived safety, passengers should maintain a healthy lifestyle and take part in activities involving bilateral stimulation like walking and swimming, which would help the mind process the traumatic experience better, said Dr Oh.
Family members can also play their part by being accommodating during this period of time.
“For example, if (the traumatised individuals) want to cry or talk about it, let them do that.
Let them choose their way to grieve and process the experience in a way that they are comfortable with rather than hurrying them along that journey,” said Dr Oh, stressing that a sense of autonomy and control would improve their sense of perceived safety.
