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May 23, 2008
Study indicates high level of PTSD among ground zero rescue and recovery workers
In continuing coverage from previous editions of Headlines, the New York Times (5/21, B6, DePalma) reports that "the percentage of ground zero workers who suffered post-traumatic stress" disorder (PTSD) "is roughly the same as for airline crash recovery workers and returning Afghanistan war veterans," according to a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Examining self-reported survey data on 10,132 workers, researchers from New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that about "one in 10 rescue and recovery workers who toiled at the site of the destroyed World Trade Center in 2001 and 2002 reported disturbing flashbacks and recurring nightmares." Nearly 11.1 percent of the participants "met the scientific criteria for probable post-traumatic stress. That is about the same percentage as for returning war veterans." Moreover, "even in workers who did not show enough signs of traumatic stress to be classified as having a disorder, there were ample signs of other psychological troubles that could lead to alcohol abuse and familial stress."
The authors "concluded that chronic mental health problems in ground zero workers have implications for public health."
Related Links:
- "Study Finds High Ground Zero Stress," Anthony DePalma, New York Times, May 21, 2008.
Posted by admin at May 23, 2008 02:56 AM