Many people have explored if there is a relationship between PTSD and 9/11. Few people will ever forget the events of September 11, 2001. Whether directly or indirectly exposed to the September 11th (9/11) terrorist attacks, many people were affected by the events on that tragic day.
Specifically, studies have found that immediately after 9/11, many people were experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the closer people were to the World Trade Center, the higher their risk for PTSD. Within six months, though, the severity of those PTSD symptoms were found to decline considerably for many people. Less is known, however, about the long-term impact of exposure to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
A Study on the Long-Term Impact of 9/11
A group of researchers examined rates of PTSD and risk factors for PTSD among 11,037 lower Manhattan residents two to three years after 9/11. These residents were living within one mile of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Rates of Traumatic Exposure and PTSD
High rates of exposure to highly stressful events were reported by the people surveyed.
- 64% had to evacuate their homes as a result of the terrorist attack.
- Approximately 60% indicated that they witnessed horror on 9/11.
- Almost 52% were in the dust cloud caused by the falling World Trade Center towers.
- About 7% indicated that they were injured on 9/11.
- Around 7% were in a damaged or destroyed building on 9/11.
In addition, many people surveyed reported experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
- Approximately 44% of people were found to be re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
- About 20% of people surveyed were experiencing avoidance symptoms of PTSD.
- Almost 39% of people reported having hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD.
- The researchers found that approximately 13% of people had a current diagnosis of PTSD.
Risk Factors for PTSD
The researchers also looked at what factors may have put people at risk for developing PTSD after 9/11. They found a number of factors that were associated with PTSD among the people they surveyed.
- PTSD rates were higher for older residents, female residents and residents of Hispanic, African-American and other racial/ethnic backgrounds, compared with white residents (with the exception of Asian-American residents).
- Divorced, widowed or separated residents had higher rates of PTSD, as did residents who earned less than $25,000 per year and had less education.
- People who reported direct exposure to 9/11 events were found to have higher rates of PTSD.
- Evacuated residents and residents who stayed away longer from their evacuated homes had higher rates of PTSD.
- Finally, residents who indicated that they were involved in rescue and recovery efforts also had higher rates of PTSD.
Learning More About the Long-Term Effect of 9/11
This study shows that the events of 9/11 have had a lasting impact on many people. In addition, it also tells us who may be at risk for developing PTSD after a traumatic event. For example, people with lower incomes or who are from certain racial/ethnic backgrounds may have less access to adequate mental health care resources, and as a result, may be at greater risk for psychological difficulties following a traumatic event.
If you find that you are continuing to experience PTSD symptoms or other psychological difficulties (for example, depression) as a result of 9/11, it is very important for you to seek help. Even if you are not experiencing any difficulties during much of the year, anniversaries of traumatic events can bring about a resurgence of symptoms. You can find out more information about treatment providers in your area through UCompare HealthCare from About.com, as well as the Anxiety Disorder Association of America.
Sources:
DiGrande, L., Perrin, M.A., Thorpe, L.E., Thalji, L., Murphy, J., Wu, D., Farfel, M., & Brackbill, R.M. (2008). Posttraumatic stress symptoms, PTSD, and risk factors among lower Manhattan residents 2-3 years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21, 264-273.
Galea, S., Ahern, J., Resnick, H., Kilpatrick, D., Bucuvalas, M., Gold, J., & Vlahov, D. (2002). Psychological sequelae of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. New England Journal of Medicine, 346, 982-987.
Galea, S., Vlahov, D., Resnick, H., Ahern, J., Susser, E., Gold, J., et al. (2003). Trends of probable post-traumatic stress disorder in New York City after the September 11 terrorist attacks. American Journal of Epidemiology, 158, 514-524.
