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| Title: | Psychological Sequelae of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks In New York City |
| Authors: | Galea, Sandro
Ahern, Jennifer
Resnick, Heidi S
Kilpatrick, Dean G.
Bucuvalas, Michael J
Gold, Joel
Vlahov, David |
| Issue Date: | 2002 |
| Abstract: | Background
The scope of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001, was unprecedented in the United
States. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of
acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression
among residents of Manhattan five to eight
weeks after the attacks.
Methods
We used random-digit dialing to contact a
representative sample of adults living south of 110th
Street in Manhattan. Participants were asked about
demographic characteristics, exposure to the events
of September 11, and psychological symptoms after
the attacks.
Results
Among 1008 adults interviewed, 7.5 percent
reported symptoms consistent with a diagnosis
of current PTSD related to the attacks, and 9.7 percent
reported symptoms consistent with current depression
(with “current“ defined as occurring within the
previous 30 days). Among respondents who lived
south of Canal Street (i.e., near the World Trade Center),
the prevalence of PTSD was 20.0 percent. Predictors
of PTSD in a multivariate model were Hispanic
ethnicity, two or more prior stressors, a panic attack
during or shortly after the events, residence south of
Canal Street, and loss of possessions due to the
events. Predictors of depression were Hispanic ethnicity,
two or more prior stressors, a panic attack, a low
level of social support, the death of a friend or relative
during the attacks, and loss of a job due to the attacks.
Conclusions
There was a substantial burden of
acute PTSD and depression in Manhattan after the
September 11 attacks. Experiences involving exposure
to the attacks were predictors of current PTSD,
and losses as a result of the events were predictors
of current depression. In the aftermath of terrorist attacks,
there may be substantial psychological morbidity
in the population. |
| Appears in Collections: | Public Health, School of (SPH)
Epidemiology, Department of (SPH)
Institute for Social Research (ISR)
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| Galea_Psychological Sequelae of the September 11_2002.pdf | | 239Kb | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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