Citation

Lowell A, Suarez-Jimenez B, Helpman L, Zhu X, Durosky A, Hilburn A, Schneier F, Gross R, Neria Y. Psychol. Med. 2018; 48(4): 537-553.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry,Columbia University Medical Center,New York, NY,USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S0033291717002033

PMID

28805168

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The 11 September 2001 (9/11) attacks were unprecedented in magnitude and mental health impact. While a large body of research has emerged since the attacks, published reviews are few, and are limited by an emphasis on cross-sectional research, short time frame, and exclusion of treatment studies. Additionally, to date, there has been no systematic review of available longitudinal information as a unique data set. Consequently, knowledge regarding long-term trajectories of 9/11-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among highly exposed populations, and whether available treatment approaches effectively address PTSD within the context of mass, man-made disaster, remains limited.

METHODS: The present review aimed to address these gaps using a systematic review of peer-reviewed reports from October 2001 to May 2016. Eligible reports were of longitudinal studies of PTSD among highly exposed populations. We identified 20 reports of 9/11-related PTSD, including 13 longitudinal prevalence studies and seven treatment studies.

RESULTS: Findings suggest a substantial burden of 9/11-related PTSD among those highly exposed to the attack, associated with a range of sociodemographic and back-ground factors, and characteristics of peri-event exposure. While most longitudinal studies show declining rates of prevalence of PTSD, studies of rescue/recovery workers have documented an increase over time. Treatment studies were few, and generally limited by methodological shortcomings, but support exposure-based therapies.

CONCLUSION: Future directions for research, treatment, and healthcare policy are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

2001; 9/11; September 11; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); trauma exposure severity; treatment of PTSD