Longitudinal study of probable post-traumatic stress disorder in firefighters exposed to the World Trade Center disaster.
BACKGROUND
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been reported even years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11).


METHODS
We used screening tools to assess the prevalence of probable PTSD in 9/11-exposed firefighters at two time points, within 6 months of 9/11 (baseline) and 3-4 years post-disaster (follow-up).


RESULTS
Five thousand six hundred fifty-six individuals completed assessments at both times. 15.5% reported probable PTSD post-9/11, 8.6% at baseline and 11.1% at follow-up, on average 2.9 (SD 0.5) years later. Analyses revealed that nearly half of all probable PTSD occurred as delayed onset (absent baseline, present follow-up). Compared with the resilient group (no probable PTSD at either time), probable PTSD at baseline, and delayed onset at follow-up were each associated with concomitant functional impairment (OR 19.5 and 18.9), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Similar percentages of firefighters met criteria for baseline and delayed onset probable PTSD at follow-up, years later. Both were associated with substantial functional impairment. Early risk identification could provide opportunities for mental health interventions before symptoms compromise work and social relationships.
Berninger
Amy
A
Montefiore Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
Webber
Mayris P
MP
Niles
Justin K
JK
Gustave
Jackson
J
Lee
Roy
R
Cohen
Hillel W
HW
Kelly
Kerry
K
Corrigan
Malachy
M
Prezant
David J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D011594:Psychometrics; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D047851:September 11 Terrorist Attacks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult