9/11-related PTSD among highly exposed populations: a systematic review 15 years after the attack. Issue 4 (14th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lowell, A.; Suarez-Jimenez, B.; Helpman, L.; Zhu, X.; Durosky, A.; Hilburn, A.; Schneier, F.; Gross, R.; Neria, Y.
• Is Part Of: Psychological medicine. Volume 48:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 537
• Page End: 553
• Publication Date: 2017-08-14
• Subjects: September 11, 2001, -- 9/11, -- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), -- trauma exposure severity, -- treatment of PTSD; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1017/S0033291717002033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-2917

Abstract

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.