Citation

Evans S, Patt I, Giosan C, Spielman L, Difede J. J. Clin. Psychol. (Hoboken) 2009; 65(7): 684-694.

Affiliation

Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jclp.20575

PMID

19388060

Abstract

Empirical evidence suggests that social and occupational disability plays a significant role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to assess the role of social/occupational disability and to identify predictors of the development of PTSD in a group of disaster relief workers (DRWs) who had been deployed to the World Trade Center (WTC) following September 11, 2001. Eight hundred forty-two utility workers completed a battery of comprehensive tests measuring PTSD and social occupational functioning. Results indicated a significant association between PTSD symptoms and impaired social/occupational functioning. Symptomatic workers were also more likely to have a history of trauma, panic disorder, and depression. Those with a history of trauma, depression, generalized anxiety disorder or panic reported significantly more disability than those without a psychiatric history. Careful screening of PTSD and social/occupational functioning in DRWs following a disaster is warranted so that early treatment can be undertaken to prevent a chronic and disabling course. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1-11, 2009.

Language: en