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