Short-term psychological support to civilians exposed to the January 2015 terrorist attacks in France. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vuillermoz, C.; Pirard, P.; Stene, L.; Vandentorren, S.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 65:Supplement 1(2022)
• Page Start: S94
• Page End: S94
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Psychological support -- Epidemiology -- mental health -- Terrorist attack; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Some projects have described post-disaster psychosocial services and planning across Europe. However, little is known about the real psychosocial disaster responses such as low-intensity initiatives after a terrorist attack Objectives: This study aims (1) to describe psychological support (PS) in the immediate (<48 hours), post-immediate (48 hours – 1 week) periods and more than one week after a terrorist attack among terror-exposed people, and (2) to identify factors associated with a lack of short-term PS among those who suffered from mental health disorders. Methods: This study used data from a longitudinal survey of 189 civilians exposed to the January 2015 terrorist attacks conducted 6 months after the attacks. Factors associated with lack of PS after the attacks was identified using a Robust Poisson regression in three separate models (for the 3 periods). Results: Among participants who suffered from PTSD (n=34), depression (n=74), or anxiety (n=59) 6-9 months after the terrorist attacks, respectively, 9%, 18% and 12% did not received psychological support. The lack of immediate PS was associated with geographical distance, type of exposure, and support in daily life. The lack of post-immediate PS was associated with geographical distance, peri-traumatic reactions and past psychological follow-up. The lack of PS after one week was associated with geographical distance and social isolation. Conclusions: Characteristics of exposition and social support seem to play an important role in lack of PS after a terrorist attack and highlights the need to use strategies to reach out to people regardless of the type of exposure. Disclosure: No significant relationships.