Citation

Stoddard FJ, Gold J, Henderson SW, Merlino JP, Norwood A, Post JM, Shanfield S, Weine S, Katz CL. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 2011; 199(8): 537-543.

Affiliation

Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; New York University; New York Presbyterian/Columbia University, New York, NY; Psychiatry Department, Kings County Hospital Center, and Department of Clinical Psychiatry, SUNY Downstate Medical College, New York, NY; Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Baltimore, MD; George Washington University, Washington, DC; University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX; University of Illinois, Chicago; and Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Education, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NMD.0b013e318225ee90

PMID

21814075

Abstract

Terrorism has dominated the domestic and international landscape since 9/11. Like other fields, psychiatry was not well prepared. With the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack approaching, it is timely to consider what can be done to prepare before the next event. Much has been learned to provide knowledge and resources. The roles of psychiatrists are challenged by what is known of the causes of, consequences of, and responses to terrorism. Reflecting on knowledge from before and since 9/11 introduces concepts, how individuals become terrorists, how to evaluate the psychiatric and behavioral effects of terrorism, and how to expand treatments, behavioral health interventions, public policy initiatives, and other responses for its victims. New research, clinical approaches, and policy perspectives inform strategies to reduce fear and cope with the aftermath. This article identifies the psychiatric training, skills and services, and ethical considerations necessary to prevent or reduce terrorism and its tragic consequences and to enhance resilience.

Language: en