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Disability and posttraumatic stress disorder in disaster relief workers responding to September 11, 2001 World Trade Center disaster.
| Publication Type | Academic Article |
| Authors | Evans S, Patt I, Giosan C, Spielman L, Difede J |
| Journal | J Clin Psychol |
| Volume | 65 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pagination | 684-94 |
| Date Published | 07/01/2009 |
| ISSN | 1097-4679 |
| Keywords | Occupational Diseases, September 11 Terrorist Attacks, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic |
| 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. |
| DOI | 10.1002/jclp.20575 |
| PubMed ID | 19388060 |