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Feder A, Kowalchyk ML, Brinkman HR, Cahn L, Aaronson CJ, Böttche M, Presseau C, Fred-Torres S, Markowitz JC, Litz BT, Yehuda R, Knaevelsrud C, Pietrzak RH. Randomized controlled trial of two internet-based written therapies for world trade center workers and survivors with persistent PTSD symptoms. Psychiatry Res 2024; 336:115885. [PMID: 38603979 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains prevalent among individuals exposed to the 9/11 World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attacks. The present study compared an Internet-based, therapist-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD to an active control intervention in WTC survivors and recovery workers with WTC-related PTSD symptoms (n = 105; 75% syndromal PTSD). Participants were randomized to integrative testimonial therapy (ITT), focused on WTC-related trauma, or modified present-centered therapy (I-MPCT), each comprising 11 assigned written narratives. The primary outcome was baseline-to-post-treatment change in PTSD symptoms on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Secondary measures included PTSD symptom clusters, depressive/anxiety symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. A significant main effect of time was observed for the primary outcome (average "large" effect size improvement, d = 1.49). Significant and "moderate-to-large" main effects of time were also observed for all PTSD symptom clusters, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and mental health-related functioning (d range=0.62-1.33). Treatment and treatment-by-time interactions were not significant. In planned secondary analyses incorporating 3-month follow-up measures, ITT was associated with significantly greater reductions than I-MPCT in PTSD avoidance and negative alterations in cognitions and mood, anxiety, and mental health-related functioning. Both therapies significantly lowered PTSD symptoms, suggesting they may benefit hard-to-reach individuals with chronic WTC-related PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Feder
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Mary L Kowalchyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah R Brinkman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leah Cahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cindy J Aaronson
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Böttche
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Berlin, Germany
| | - Candice Presseau
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Veterans' Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sharely Fred-Torres
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John C Markowitz
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, New York, NY, USA; Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brett T Litz
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University, Boston, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, MA, USA; Veterans' Administration Boston Healthcare System, Epidemiological Research and Information Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA; James J. Peters Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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Chen AP, Ismail Z, Mann FD, Bromet EJ, Clouston SAP, Luft BJ. Behavioral Impairments and Increased Risk of Cortical Atrophy Risk Scores Among World Trade Center Responders. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2024; 37:114-124. [PMID: 37542409 PMCID: PMC10839111 DOI: 10.1177/08919887231195234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: World Trade Center (WTC) responders are susceptible to both cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments, particularly chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. The present study examined self-reported behavioral impairments in a sample of 732 WTC responders, 199 of whom were determined to have high risk of WTC-related cortical atrophy by an artificial neural network. Results: We found that responders at increased risk of cortical atrophy showed behavioral impairment across five domains: motivation, mood, disinhibition, empathy, and psychosis (14.6% vs 3.9% in the low-risk group; P = 3.90 × 10-7). Factor analysis models revealed that responders at high risk of cortical atrophy tended to have deficits generalized across all aspects of behavioral impairment with focal dysfunction in sensory psychosis. We additionally describe how relationships are modulated by exposure severity and pharmacological treatments. Discussion: Our findings suggest a potential link between sensory deficits and the development of cortical atrophy in WTC responders and may indicate symptoms consistent with a clinical portrait of parietal dominant Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD). Results underscore the importance of investigating neuropsychiatric symptomatology in clinical evaluations of possible ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen P.F. Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Zahinoor Ismail
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary
| | - Frank D. Mann
- Program in Public Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn J. Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sean A. P. Clouston
- Program in Public Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Luft
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Finch AJ, Dickerman AL. PTSD and lower respiratory symptoms: A systematic review of longitudinal associations in early 9/11 World Trade Center responders. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:318-327. [PMID: 38070472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to examine longitudinal associations between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lower respiratory symptoms (LRS) specifically among responders present at the World Trade Center (WTC) site on September 11, 2001 (9/11). This group, which we refer to as "9/11 early responders," appears to have particularly high rates of both mental and physical illness relative to other 9/11-exposed populations. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review to examine associations between PTSD and LRS among 9/11 early responders in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. After a structured search of Pubmed and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) WTC bibliography for relevant articles, we identified 4 articles commenting on associations between PTSD and LRS in this population; all 4 passed quality review and were included in our primary analysis. 10 other articles we found in our research discussed rates of PTSD and LRS, but not associations between them, in the population in question; we commented on these in a secondary analysis. RESULTS The data demonstrate that there are significant associations between PTSD and LRS among 9/11 early responders. The data also suggest that both of these phenomena are more prevalent among 9/11 early responders relative to other 9/11-exposed populations. CONCLUSIONS These findings are relevant for optimizing care for the population in question, as well as for other survivors of past and future disasters with both psychiatric and medical sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Finch
- New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY, USA, 10065; Duke University Hospital - Duke Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 3643 N Roxboro St #6, Durham, NC, USA, 27704.
| | - Anna L Dickerman
- New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY, USA, 10065
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Santiago-Michels S, Clouston S, Rabin LA, Kritikos M, Pellecchia A, Scott V, Carr M, Luft B. A - 33 Clock Drawing Performance Differences in World Trade Center Responders at Midlife. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:1194. [PMID: 37807166 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad067.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE World Trade Center (WTC) responders demonstrate elevated risk for cognitive impairment (CI) consistent with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Neuropsychological test performance is valuable in early detection efforts and non-invasive longitudinal tracking of populations at risk of ADRD. We hypothesized that WTC-CI would be associated with a greater number of errors on the clock drawing task (CDT). METHOD The CDT was administered to responders with/without CI who participated in a case/control study. WTC-CI was diagnosed following NIA-AA guidelines for diagnosing early-onset ADRD (ages <66 years). CDT performance was evaluated using subsets of clock errors derived from four existing variations in CDT evaluation measuring the number of errors. An ANOVA was conducted to compare mean differences in clock characteristics. RESULTS From 99 participants, responders with CI (n = 50, Mage = 55.82) had more errors when compared to responders without CI (n = 49, Mage = 55.94) in the following CDT components: contour (p = 0.006), hands (p < 0.001), hands similarity (p = 0.005), moderate graphical errors (p = 0.042), left-side number crowding (p = 0.038), time incorrectness (p < 0.001), and extra marks on clock face (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION In this study, we demonstrated that CDT performance decline is associated with WTC-CI. CDT can be used as a non-invasive investigative tool that can track cognitive performance longitudinally, which can better aid in the early detection, monitoring, and intervention strategies when dealing with the emergence of encephalopathy in high-risk ADRD populations, such as the WTC cohort. Future research should evaluate additional measures that can address other comorbid issues that can arise in such populations, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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North CS, Pfefferbaum B. Tobacco and Illicit Drug Use and Drug Use Disorders Among Employees of Businesses Affected by the 9/11 Attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. J Dual Diagn 2023; 19:180-188. [PMID: 37796633 PMCID: PMC10624119 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2023.2260328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the New York City area population after the September 11, 2001, 9/11 attacks, focusing on tobacco and drug use and drug use disorders. An abundance of research has identified the important mental health sequelae stemming from exposure to disasters, especially vulnerability to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). There also is a body of literature on the association of disaster exposure with alcohol use/misuse, but far less research on tobacco and other drug use/disorders. METHODS A terrorism-affected sample (N = 379) was assessed nearly 3 years after the attacks using structured diagnostic interviews, providing predisaster and postdisaster prevalence and incidence of tobacco and drug use, changes in tobacco and drug use, and predisaster and postdisaster prevalence and incidence of drug use disorders in relation to the 9/11 attacks. DSM-IV criteria were fully assessed using structured diagnostic interviews for psychiatric disorders including PTSD, MDD, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol and drug use disorders. RESULTS Tobacco use did not increase significantly, and no predictors of increased tobacco use could be found for any subgroups, including disaster trauma exposures. Drug use (largely cannabis) increased initially but decreased by 3 years after the attacks. Drug use disorders, which were associated with other psychiatric disorders, were rare and primarily began prior to 9/11. CONCLUSIONS The overall lack of increase of tobacco use or predictors of increased use found after the disaster and the low rates of new drug use disorders suggest that universal screening for increased tobacco use and new drug use disorders by clinicians may have very low yield. Regardless, postdisaster settings provide suitable circumstances for general discussions about self-care including concern for increased tobacco use, avoiding drug use, and guidance on healthier means of managing stress than through substances. Additionally, because existing tobacco and drug use are endemic in populations, the postdisaster setting can serve as a reminder for clinicians to assess these problems generally and provide appropriate referrals when needed. Postdisaster circumstances offer opportunities to disseminate and promote public health messages and address issues of substance use and misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol S. North
- The Altshuler Center for Education and Research at Metrocare Services, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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Sayer NA, Nelson DB, Gradus JL, Sripada RK, Murdoch M, Teo AR, Orazem RJ, Cerel J. The Effects of Suicide Exposure on Mental Health Outcomes Among Post-9/11 Veterans: Protocol for an Explanatory, Sequential, Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e51324. [PMID: 37751271 PMCID: PMC10565621 DOI: 10.2196/51324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The toll associated with suicide goes well beyond the individual who died. This study focuses on a risk factor for veteran suicide that has received little previous empirical attention-exposure to the suicide death of another person. OBJECTIVE The study's primary objective is to describe the mental health outcomes associated with suicide exposure among veterans who served on active duty after September 2001 ("post-9/11"). The secondary objective is to elucidate why some veterans develop persistent problems following suicide exposure, whereas others do not. METHODS This is an explanatory, sequential, mixed methods study of a nationally representative sample of post-9/11 veterans enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care. Our sampling strategy was designed for adequate representation of female and American Indian and Alaska Native veterans to allow for examination of associations between suicide exposure and outcomes within these groups. Primary outcomes comprise mental health problems associated with trauma and loss (posttraumatic stress disorder and prolonged grief disorder) and suicide precursors (suicidal ideation, attempts, and planning). Data collection will be implemented in 3 waves. During wave 1, we will field a brief survey to a national probability sample to assess exposure history (suicide, other sudden death, or neither) and exposure characteristics (eg, closeness with the decedent) among 11,400 respondents. In wave 2, we will include 39.47% (4500/11,400) of the wave-1 respondents, stratified by exposure history (suicide, other sudden death, or neither), to assess health outcomes and other variables of interest. During wave 3, we will conduct interviews with a purposive subsample of 32 respondents exposed to suicide who differ in mental health outcomes. We will supplement the survey and interview data with VA administrative data identifying diagnoses, reported suicide attempts, and health care use. RESULTS The study began on July 1, 2022, and will end on June 30, 2026. This is the only national, population-based study of suicide exposure in veterans and the first one designed to study differences based on sex and race. Comparing those exposed to suicide with those exposed to sudden death for reasons other than suicide (eg, combat) and those unexposed to any sudden death may allow for the identification of the common and unique contribution of suicide exposure to outcomes and help seeking. CONCLUSIONS Integrating survey, qualitative, and VA administrative data to address significant knowledge gaps regarding the effects of suicide exposure in a national sample will lay the foundation for interventions to address the needs of individuals affected by a suicide death, including female and American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51324.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina A Sayer
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - David B Nelson
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca K Sripada
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maureen Murdoch
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alan R Teo
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Robert J Orazem
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Julie Cerel
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Lilly G, Calvert GM. The World Trade Center Health Program: Smoking cessation. Arch Environ Occup Health 2023; 78:249-252. [PMID: 36919568 PMCID: PMC10910591 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2023.2185190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking can cause and/or worsen a variety of health conditions. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that smoking cessation services be offered to all adults who currently smoke, and governmental and non-governmental professional organizations support providing these interventions to patients who smoke. The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, a federal program that provides health monitoring and treatment to those directed exposed to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, provides smoking cessation therapy for eligible members. This paper identifies treatment strategies for smoking cessation and references the treatment coverage policy in the WTC Health Program. In addition, this paper notes the higher smoking prevalence among those with mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the need for heightened cessation efforts given the lower quit success rates among such persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Lilly
- World Trade Center Health Program, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Calvert
- World Trade Center Health Program, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Dowling FG, Lowe SM. Substance use and related disorders among persons exposed to the 9/11 terrorist attacks: Essentials for screening and intervention. Arch Environ Occup Health 2023; 78:261-266. [PMID: 36847147 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2023.2180614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research supports the association between direct exposure to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, increased rates of alcohol and substance use and elevated risk of subsequent diagnosis with trauma-related and substance use disorders. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most diagnosed psychiatric illness in individuals who witnessed the 9/11 attacks or participated in disaster response efforts, and substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly comorbid with PTSD. The presence of both conditions poses challenges for clinical management and highlights the importance of screening and offering intervention to this at-risk population. This paper provides background on substance use, SUDs, and co-occurring PTSD in trauma exposed populations, describes best practices for identifying harmful substance use, the role of psychotherapy and medication for addiction treatment (MAT), and recommendations for management of co-occurring SUD and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank G Dowling
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- World Trade Center Health Program, Stony Brook Clinical Center of Excellence, Commack, NY, USA
| | - Sandra M Lowe
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- World Trade Center Health Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Clinical Center of Excellence, New York, NY, USA
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Prioux C, Marillier M, Vuillermoz C, Vandentorren S, Rabet G, Petitclerc M, Baubet T, Stene LE, Pirard P, Motreff Y. PTSD and Partial PTSD among First Responders One and Five Years after the Paris Terror Attacks in November 2015. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:4160. [PMID: 36901168 PMCID: PMC10001642 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Following the Paris terror attacks in November 2015, a large number of first responders (FR) were mobilized and consequently were at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on the ESPA 13 November survey, the objectives of this study were to 1) describe the prevalence of PTSD and partial PTSD in FR five years after the attacks, 2) describe the changes in PTSD and partial PTSD from one to five years after the attacks, and 3) examine factors associated with PTSD and partial PTSD five years after the attacks. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. PTSD and partial PTSD were measured using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist based on the DSM-5 (PCL-5). Gender, age, responder category, education level, exposure, mental health history, history of traumatic events, training, social support, concern about the COVID-19 epidemic, and somatic problems present after the attacks were all analyzed as potential factors associated with PTSD and partial PTSD using multinomial logistic regression. A total of 428 FR were included 5 years after the attacks, of which 258 had participated also 1 year after the attacks. Five years after the attacks, the prevalence of PTSD and partial PTSD were 8.6% and 22%, respectively. Presence of somatic problems after the attacks were associated with PTSD. Involvement in dangerous crime scenes was associated with a higher risk of partial PTSD. No awareness of psychological risks in the context of professional activity through specific training was associated with partial PTSD, in particular among participants aged 45 years or more. To mitigate PTSD for FR, monitoring mental health symptoms, providing mental health education, and providing treatment may be needed for several years after the attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Prioux
- Santé Publique France, Direction des Maladies non Transmissibles et Traumatismes, F-94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Maude Marillier
- Santé Publique France, Direction des Maladies non Transmissibles et Traumatismes, F-94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Cécile Vuillermoz
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Vandentorren
- INSERM, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, University of Bordeaux, U1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Santé Publique France, Direction Scientifique et Internationale, F-94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Gabrielle Rabet
- Santé Publique France, Direction Appui, Traitements et Analyses des Données, F-94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Matthieu Petitclerc
- Service Médical D’urgence—Bureau de Santé et de Prévention, Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris, 1, Place Jules-Renard, F-75017 Paris, France
- Laboratoire UTRPP, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Thierry Baubet
- Laboratoire UTRPP, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France
- APHP Hôpital Avicenne, Psychopathology Department for Children, Adolescents, General Psychiatry and Specialized Addiction, F-93009 Bobigny, France
- Centre National de Ressources et de Résilience Lille-Paris (CN2R), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Lise Eilin Stene
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), NO-0409 Oslo, Norway
| | - Philippe Pirard
- Santé Publique France, Direction des Maladies non Transmissibles et Traumatismes, F-94415 Saint-Maurice, France
- CESP, INSERM, MOODS team, Faculté de Médecine Paris–Saclay, Université Paris–Saclay, F-94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Yvon Motreff
- Santé Publique France, Direction des Maladies non Transmissibles et Traumatismes, F-94415 Saint-Maurice, France
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France
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Ko TM, Alper HE, Brackbill RH, Jacobson MH. Trajectories of psychological distress among individuals exposed to the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2950-2961. [PMID: 33823957 PMCID: PMC9693657 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720004912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals present in lower Manhattan during the 9/11 World Trade Center (WTC) disaster suffered from significant physical and psychological trauma. Studies of longitudinal psychological distress among those exposed to trauma have been limited to relatively short durations of follow-up among smaller samples. METHODS The current study longitudinally assessed heterogeneity in trajectories of psychological distress among WTC Health Registry enrollees - a prospective cohort health study of responders, students, employees, passersby, and residents in the affected area (N = 30 839) - throughout a 15-year period following the WTC disaster. Rescue/recovery status and exposure to traumatic events of 9/11, as well as sociodemographic factors and health status, were assessed as risk factors for trajectories of psychological distress. RESULTS Five psychological distress trajectory groups were found: none-stable, low-stable, moderate-increasing, moderate-decreasing, and high-stable. Of the study sample, 78.2% were classified as belonging to the none-stable or low-stable groups. Female sex, being younger at the time of 9/11, lower education and income were associated with a higher probability of being in a greater distress trajectory group relative to the none-stable group. Greater exposure to traumatic events of 9/11 was associated with a higher probability of a greater distress trajectory, and community members (passerby, residents, and employees) were more likely to be in greater distress trajectory groups - especially in the moderate-increasing [odds ratios (OR) 2.31 (1.97-2.72)] and high-stable groups [OR 2.37 (1.81-3.09)] - compared to the none-stable group. CONCLUSIONS The current study illustrated the heterogeneity in psychological distress trajectories following the 9/11 WTC disaster, and identified potential avenues for intervention in future disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro M. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Howard E. Alper
- World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Robert H. Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Melanie H. Jacobson
- World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA
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Zhang Y, Rosen R, Reibman J, Shao Y. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mediates the Association between Traumatic World Trade Center Dust Cloud Exposure and Ongoing Systemic Inflammation in Community Members. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19148622. [PMID: 35886474 PMCID: PMC9322679 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) dust/fumes and traumas on 11 September 2001 has been reported as a risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental/physical health symptoms in WTC-affected populations. Increased systemic inflammation and oxidative stress from the exposure and subsequent illnesses have been proposed as contributors to the underlying biological processes. Many blood-based biomarkers of systemic inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP), are useful for non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring of disease process, and also potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Twenty years after 9/11, however, the relationships between WTC exposure, chronic PTSD, and systemic inflammation are only beginning to be systematically investigated in the WTC-affected civilian population despite the fact that symptoms of PTSD and systemic inflammation are still common and persistent. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap, using enrollees of the WTC Environmental Health Center (EHC), a federally designated treatment and surveillance program for community members (WTC Survivors) exposed to the 9/11 terrorist attack. We conducted a mediation analysis to investigate the association between acute WTC dust cloud traumatic exposure (WDCTE) on 9/11, chronic PTSD symptoms, and levels of systemic inflammation. The data indicate that the chronic PTSD symptoms and some specific symptom clusters of PTSD significantly mediate the WDCTE on systemic inflammation, as reflected by the CRP levels. As both chronic PTSD and systemic inflammation are long-term risk factors for neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, further research on the implications of this finding is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yian Zhang
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- HHC World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- NYU Alzheimer Disease Research Center, 145 E 32 Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Rebecca Rosen
- HHC World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- HHC World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yongzhao Shao
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- HHC World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- NYU Alzheimer Disease Research Center, 145 E 32 Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (Y.S.)
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12
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Rosen R, Shao Y, Zhang Q, Bao J, Zhang Y, Masurkar A, Wisniewski T, Urban N, Reibman J. Cognitive Function among World Trade Center-Exposed Community Members with Mental Health Symptoms. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:3440. [PMID: 35329128 PMCID: PMC8948727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The World Trade Center Environmental Health Center (WTC EHC), is a federally designated clinical center of excellence for surveillance and treatment of WTC disaster exposed community members (WTC Survivors). Cognitive impairment (CI) has been extensively described in WTC responders and a concern for progressive impairment in all WTC disaster exposed groups has been raised. Cognitive status, however, has not been systematically characterized in the WTC Survivor population. We describe cognitive status in a subgroup of the Survivor population referred for mental health evaluation (N = 480) in the WTC EHC as measured by scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) instrument, and examine their association with WTC exposures and individual-level covariates including PTSD and depression screening inventory scores. In regression analyses, probable cognitive impairment (MoCA score < 26) was found in 59% of the study subjects and was significantly associated with age, race/ethnicity, education, income, depression and PTSD scores. Being caught in the dust cloud on 11 September 2011 was significantly associated with cognitive impairment even after controlling for the above. These data suggest an association with cognitive dysfunction in WTC Survivors with exposure to the toxic dust/fumes and psychological stress from the 9/11 terrorist attack and warrant further systematic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health+Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Q.Z.); (J.B.); (Y.Z.); (J.R.)
| | - Yongzhao Shao
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health+Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Q.Z.); (J.B.); (Y.Z.); (J.R.)
- Department of Environmental Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- NYU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (A.M.); (T.W.)
| | - Qiao Zhang
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health+Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Q.Z.); (J.B.); (Y.Z.); (J.R.)
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jia Bao
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health+Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Q.Z.); (J.B.); (Y.Z.); (J.R.)
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yian Zhang
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health+Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Q.Z.); (J.B.); (Y.Z.); (J.R.)
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Arjun Masurkar
- NYU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (A.M.); (T.W.)
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Thomas Wisniewski
- NYU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, New York, NY 10016, USA; (A.M.); (T.W.)
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Nina Urban
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health+Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Q.Z.); (J.B.); (Y.Z.); (J.R.)
| | - Joan Reibman
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health+Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Q.Z.); (J.B.); (Y.Z.); (J.R.)
- Department of Environmental Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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13
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Liu SY, Li J, Leon LF, Schwarzer R, Cone JE. The Bidirectional Relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Social Support in a 9/11-Exposed Cohort: A Longitudinal Cross-Lagged Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19052604. [PMID: 35270297 PMCID: PMC8910094 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research on the longitudinal relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social support among survivors of large-scale trauma is limited. This study assessed bidirectional relationships between PTSD and perceived social support in a large sample of the 9/11-exposed cohort over a 14-year follow-up. We used data from 23,165 World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR) enrollees who were exposed to the 9/11 attacks and participated in the first four WTCHR surveys (Wave 1 (2003−2004) to Wave 4 (2015−2016)). PTSD symptoms were measured using the 17-item PTSD Checklist. Perceived social support was measured using the five-item version of the Modified Social Support Survey. We used a cross-lagged panel analysis and found an inverse relationship between PTSD symptoms and social support. PTSD at Wave 2 (W2) predicted less social support at Wave 3 (W3) (β = −0.10, p < 0.01), and PTSD at W3 predicted less social support at W4 (β = −0.05, p < 0.01). Conversely, social support at W3 buffered PTSD symptoms at W4 (β = −0.03, p < 0.05). Sub-analyses by types of perceived social support suggest greater effects of PTSD on emotional support than tangible support and in community members than rescue/recovery workers. Our findings suggest a bidirectional effect between PTSD symptoms and social support in a longitudinal study of 9/11-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Yan Liu
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Jiehui Li
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-718-786-4412
| | - Lydia F. Leon
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Ralf Schwarzer
- Department of Psychology, Freie University of Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - James E. Cone
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 10279, USA; (S.Y.L.); (L.F.L.); (J.E.C.)
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Clouston SAP, Hall CB, Kritikos M, Bennett DA, DeKosky S, Edwards J, Finch C, Kreisl WC, Mielke M, Peskind ER, Raskind M, Richards M, Sloan RP, Spiro A, Vasdev N, Brackbill R, Farfel M, Horton M, Lowe S, Lucchini RG, Prezant D, Reibman J, Rosen R, Seil K, Zeig-Owens R, Deri Y, Diminich ED, Fausto BA, Gandy S, Sano M, Bromet EJ, Luft BJ. Cognitive impairment and World Trade Centre-related exposures. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:103-116. [PMID: 34795448 PMCID: PMC8938977 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
On 11 September 2001 the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York was attacked by terrorists, causing the collapse of multiple buildings including the iconic 110-story 'Twin Towers'. Thousands of people died that day from the collapse of the buildings, fires, falling from the buildings, falling debris, or other related accidents. Survivors of the attacks, those who worked in search and rescue during and after the buildings collapsed, and those working in recovery and clean-up operations were exposed to severe psychological stressors. Concurrently, these 'WTC-affected' individuals breathed and ingested a mixture of organic and particulate neurotoxins and pro-inflammogens generated as a result of the attack and building collapse. Twenty years later, researchers have documented neurocognitive and motor dysfunctions that resemble the typical features of neurodegenerative disease in some WTC responders at midlife. Cortical atrophy, which usually manifests later in life, has also been observed in this population. Evidence indicates that neurocognitive symptoms and corresponding brain atrophy are associated with both physical exposures at the WTC and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, including regularly re-experiencing traumatic memories of the events while awake or during sleep. Despite these findings, little is understood about the long-term effects of these physical and mental exposures on the brain health of WTC-affected individuals, and the potential for neurocognitive disorders. Here, we review the existing evidence concerning neurological outcomes in WTC-affected individuals, with the aim of contextualizing this research for policymakers, researchers and clinicians and educating WTC-affected individuals and their friends and families. We conclude by providing a rationale and recommendations for monitoring the neurological health of WTC-affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A P Clouston
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Charles B Hall
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Minos Kritikos
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven DeKosky
- Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute and Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jerri Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Caleb Finch
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William C Kreisl
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Mielke
- Specialized Center of Research Excellence on Sex Differences, Department of Neurology, Department of Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elaine R Peskind
- Veteran's Association VISN 20 Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veteran's Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Murray Raskind
- Veteran's Association VISN 20 Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veteran's Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marcus Richards
- Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Richard P Sloan
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avron Spiro
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil Vasdev
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Center, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Farfel
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra Lowe
- The World Trade Center Mental Health Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David Prezant
- World Trade Center Health Program, Fire Department of the City of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Rosen
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kacie Seil
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Zeig-Owens
- World Trade Center Health Program, Fire Department of the City of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yael Deri
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Erica D Diminich
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Bernadette A Fausto
- Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Sam Gandy
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Sano
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn J Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J Luft
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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16
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Pollari CD, Brite J, Brackbill RM, Gargano LM, Adams SW, Russo-Netzer P, Davidov J, Banyard V, Cone JE. World Trade Center Exposure and Posttraumatic Growth: Assessing Positive Psychological Change 15 Years after 9/11. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 18:E104. [PMID: 33375729 PMCID: PMC7795403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the presence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attack and how indicators of psychosocial well-being, direct 9/11-related exposure, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) relate to PTG. PTG was examined among 4934 participants using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to determine if the original factor structure of the PTGI fits our data and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the appropriate factor structure. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between PTG and indicators of psychosocial well-being, 9/11-related exposure, and PTSS, controlling for covariates. CFA identified a two-factor structure of the PTGI as a better fit than the original five-factor model. Participants who experienced very high 9/11-related exposure level (ß = 7.72; 95% CI: 5.75-9.70), higher PTSS at waves 1 (ß = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08-0.18) and 2 (ß = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.05-0.14), high social integration (ß = 5.71; 95% CI: 4.47, 6.96), greater social support (ß = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.61), and higher self-efficacy (ß = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.48) had higher PTGI scores. Our findings suggest PTG is present, 15 years following the 9/11 terrorist attack. Very high-level 9/11 exposure, PTSS, and indicators of psychosocial well-being were associated with PTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina D. Pollari
- Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA; (J.B.); (R.M.B.); (L.M.G.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Jennifer Brite
- Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA; (J.B.); (R.M.B.); (L.M.G.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Robert M. Brackbill
- Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA; (J.B.); (R.M.B.); (L.M.G.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Lisa M. Gargano
- Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA; (J.B.); (R.M.B.); (L.M.G.); (J.E.C.)
| | - Shane W. Adams
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, New York, NY 10019, USA;
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Pninit Russo-Netzer
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (P.R.-N.); (J.D.)
- School of Advanced Studies, Achva Academic College, Arugot 7980400, Israel
| | - Jonathan Davidov
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (P.R.-N.); (J.D.)
| | - Victoria Banyard
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - James E. Cone
- Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA; (J.B.); (R.M.B.); (L.M.G.); (J.E.C.)
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17
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Cozza SJ, Fisher JE, Hefner KR, Fetchet MA, Chen S, Zuleta RF, Fullerton CS, Ursano RJ. Human Remains Identification, Grief, and Posttraumatic Stress in Bereaved Family Members 14 Years After the September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:1137-1143. [PMID: 32803910 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Returning human remains to family members after a loved one's death is thought to support grief adaptation. However, no known research has examined the effects that notifications of fragmented remains have on bereaved family members. We examined the number of notifications received, continuing questions about the death, grief severity, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) in family members bereaved by the September 11, 2001 attacks (N = 454). One notification was associated with fewer continuing questions compared to zero notifications, p = .037, or two or more notifications, p = .009. A model using notifications and continuing questions to predict grief severity showed there was no difference between receiving one and zero notifications, p = .244; however, receipt of two or more notifications was associated with higher grief severity compared to zero notifications, p = .032. A similar model demonstrated that receipt of any notifications was associated with PTS, ɳp 2 = .026, p = .006. Having continuing questions was associated with grief severity, ɳp 2 = .170, p < .001; and PTS, ɳp 2 = .086, p < .001. Additionally, participants who received one notification and chose not to receive more had fewer continuing questions compared to all other participants, and participants who received two or more notifications and chose no future notifications had higher PTS levels compared to all other participants. The results indicate that human remains notification is not associated with reduced grief severity but is associated with PTS. These findings should inform notification policy and guide families' notification choice after traumatic deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Cozza
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joscelyn E Fisher
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn R Hefner
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Shenglin Chen
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rafael F Zuleta
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carol S Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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18
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Brite J, Friedman S, de la Hoz RE, Reibman J, Cone J. Mental health, long-term medication adherence, and the control of asthma symptoms among persons exposed to the WTC 9/11 disaster. J Asthma 2020; 57:1253-1262. [PMID: 31550944 PMCID: PMC7594532 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1672722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: A positive association between mental health conditions and poor asthma control has been documented in the World Trade Center-exposed population. Whether factors such as medication adherence mediate this association is unknown.Methods: The study population was drawn from adult participants of the World Trade Center Health Registry Cohort who self-reported as asthmatic after the disaster and who were currently prescribed a long-term control medication (LTCM). Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the associations between mental health condition (PTSD, depression, or anxiety) and continuous adherence and Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores.Results: In the study sample of 1,293, 49% were not adherent to their LTCM and two thirds reported poorly or very poorly controlled asthma. Presence of any mental health condition was associated with a 2-point decline in ACT and half a point decrease in adherence scores. However, in the multivariable model, better adherence was statistically significantly associated with slightly worse control.Conclusions: The total effect of mental health on asthma control was opposite in sign from the product of the paths between mental health and adherence and adherence and asthma control; we therefore found no evidence to support the hypothesis that adherence mediated the negative association between poor mental health and adequate asthma control. More research is needed to understand the complex causal mechanisms that underlie the association between mental and respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Brite
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Friedman
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Rafael E. de la Hoz
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine
at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine,
Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY,
USA
| | - James Cone
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA
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19
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Alpert JL, Nguyen-Feng VN. COVID in New York City, the epicenter: A New York University perspective and COVID in Duluth, the Bold North: A University of Minnesota perspective. Psychol Trauma 2020; 12:524-528. [PMID: 32551752 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the first part of this dual commentary, perspectives are gathered from students at New York University. COVID in New York City is compared with the trauma of the World Trade Center. Triggers, racism, concerns, acts of kindness, and the future are considered for both. The second part of the commentary is written in juxtaposition to the New York City perspective by sharing the Upper Midwest experiences of this COVID-19 pandemic period, particularly in the small city of Duluth. Perspectives are gathered over time from students at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The Minnesota stories are presented chronologically, from the declaration of the global pandemic to the beginning of the summer semester. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Hamwey MK, Gargano LM, Friedman LG, Leon LF, Petrsoric LJ, Brackbill RM. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Survivors of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Attacks: A Review of the Literature. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E4344. [PMID: 32560511 PMCID: PMC7344905 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prior reviews of 9/11-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have not focused on the civilian survivors most directly exposed to the attacks. Survivors include those individuals who were occupants of buildings in or near the World Trade Center (WTC) towers, those whose primary residence or workplace was in the vicinity, and persons who were on the street passing through the area. This review reports published information on the prevalence of and risk factors for PTSD, as well as comorbidities associated with PTSD among 9/11 survivors. Articles selected for inclusion met the following criteria: (1) full-length, original peer-reviewed empirical articles; (2) published in English from 2002-2019; (3) collected data from persons directly exposed; (4) adult populations; and (5) focused on non-rescue or recovery workers (i.e., survivors). Data were extracted with focus on study design, sample size, time frame of data collection post-9/11, PTSD assessment instrument, and PTSD prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities. Our review identified the use of cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, finding multiple direct comorbidities with PTSD, as well as the prevalence and persistence of PTSD. Future research would benefit from incorporating more mixed methods designs, and exploring the mediating mechanisms and protective factors of the known associations of PTSD among the 9/11 survivor population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert M. Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA; (M.K.H.); (L.M.G.); (L.G.F.); (L.F.L.); (L.J.P.)
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Takemoto E, Brackbill R, Martins S, Farfel M, Jacobson M. Post-traumatic stress disorder and risk of prescription opioid use, over-use, and misuse among World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees, 2015-2016. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 210:107959. [PMID: 32213430 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to be associated with the use and misuse of prescription opioids. Less is known about PTSD among the general population and PTSD resulting from non-combat related trauma. We sought to determine if PTSD following exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster is associated with the recent use, over use, or misuse of prescription opioids. METHODS This study, conducted in 2018, examined 26,840 individuals from the WTC Health Registry. PTSD symptoms were assessed on multiple surveys (2003-2016) using the PCL Checklist-17. Three categories of post-9/11 PTSD were derived: never, past, and current. Self-reported opioid use outcomes (past year, 2015-2016) were defined as (yes/no): recent use (use of a prescription opioid), over-use (use of a prescribed opioid in a manner other than prescribed) and misuse (use of a prescription opioid prescribed to someone else). RESULTS Opioid use, over-use, and misuse prevalence was highest among those with current PTSD (prevalence: 12.2 %-46.1 %) compared to past PTSD (prevalence: 6.7 %-35.8 %) and never PTSD (prevalence: 3.6 %-22.9 %). In adjusted models, individuals with past and current PTSD had a greater risk of all opioid outcomes compared to never PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Past and current 9/11-related PTSD is a risk factor for opioid use and misuse among the general population, findings which may assist in improving screening and surveillance measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Takemoto
- New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, 30-30 47th Ave., Long Island City, NY, 11101, United States.
| | - Robert Brackbill
- New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, 30-30 47th Ave., Long Island City, NY, 11101, United States.
| | - Silvia Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY, 10032, United States.
| | - Mark Farfel
- New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, 30-30 47th Ave., Long Island City, NY, 11101, United States.
| | - Melanie Jacobson
- New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, 30-30 47th Ave., Long Island City, NY, 11101, United States
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Giesinger I, Li J, Takemoto E, Cone JE, Farfel MR, Brackbill RM. Association Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mortality Among Responders and Civilians Following the September 11, 2001, Disaster. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e1920476. [PMID: 32022879 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.20476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with increased mortality, primarily in studies of veterans. The World Trade Center Health Registry (Registry) provides a unique opportunity to study the association between PTSD and mortality among a population exposed to the World Trade Center attacks in New York, New York, on September 11, 2001 (9/11). OBJECTIVES To assess whether 9/11-related probable PTSD (PTSD) is associated with increased mortality risk, as well as whether this association differs when including repeated measures of PTSD over time vs a single baseline assessment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A longitudinal cohort study of 63 666 Registry enrollees (29 270 responders and 34 396 civilians) was conducted from September 5, 2003, to December 31, 2016, with PTSD assessments at baseline (wave 1: 2003-2004) and 3 follow-up time points (wave 2: 2006-2007, wave 3: 2011-2012, wave 4: 2015-2016). Data analyses were conducted from December 4, 2018, to May 20, 2019. EXPOSURES Posttraumatic stress disorder was defined using the 17-item PTSD Checklist-Specific (PCL-S) self-report measure (score ≥50) at each wave (waves 1-4). Baseline PTSD was defined using wave 1 PCL-S, and time-varying PTSD was defined using the PCL-S assessments from all 4 waves. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mortality outcomes were ascertained through National Death Index linkage from 2003 to 2016 and defined as all-cause, cardiovascular, and external-cause mortality. RESULTS Of 63 666 enrollees (38 883 men [61.1%]; mean [SD] age at 9/11, 40.4 [10.4] years), 6689 (10.8%) had PTSD at baseline (responders: 2702 [9.5%]; civilians: 3987 [12.0%]). Participants who were middle aged (2022 [12.5%]), female (3299 [13.8%]), non-Latino black (1295 [17.0%]), or Latino (1835 [22.2%]) were more likely to have PTSD. During follow-up, 2349 enrollees died (including 230 external-cause deaths and 487 cardiovascular deaths). Among all enrollees in time-varying analyses, PTSD was associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and external-cause mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) of greater magnitude compared with analyses examining baseline PTSD. Among responders, time-varying PTSD was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause (AHR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.58-2.32), cardiovascular (AHR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.25-3.04), and external-cause (AHR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.47-3.91) mortality. Among civilians, time-varying PTSD was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause (AHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.28-1.85), cardiovascular (AHR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.15-2.58), and external-cause (AHR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.06-4.19) mortality. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The risk of mortality differed in examination of baseline PTSD vs repeated measures of PTSD over time, suggesting that longitudinal data should be used where possible. Comparable findings between responders and civilians suggest that 9/11-related PTSD is associated with an increased mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Giesinger
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Jiehui Li
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Erin Takemoto
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - James E Cone
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Mark R Farfel
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Robert M Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
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Olesen T. The Hiroshima memory complex. Br J Sociol 2020; 71:81-95. [PMID: 31821554 DOI: 10.1111/1468-4446.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 is one of the most powerful global memories. While the literature on global memories has greatly expanded in recent decades, Hiroshima remains surprisingly understudied. In addressing this lacuna, this paper develops a new theoretical prism for the study of global memories. It argues that the Hiroshima memory cannot be understood in isolation, but rather as the hub in a broader memory complex. This complex is the result of symbolic dialogues that connect Hiroshima with such different events, situations, and memories as Nanjing, Pearl Harbor, the Cold War, and so on. The paper demonstrates how these dialogues have been forged, often in the context of substantial controversy. While distinctly sociological in orientation, the paper takes its main theoretical inspiration from cultural, literary, and history scholars such as Jan and Aleida Assmann, Sebastian Conrad, Astrid Erll, Ann Rigney, Michael Rothberg, Aby Warburg and Mikhael Bakhtin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Olesen
- Department of Political Science, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
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Hammock AC, Dreyer RE, Riaz M, Clouston SAP, McGlone A, Luft B. Trauma and Relationship Strain: Oral Histories With World Trade Center Disaster Responders. Qual Health Res 2019; 29:1751-1765. [PMID: 30920915 PMCID: PMC7607908 DOI: 10.1177/1049732319837534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Existing models of couple functioning after trauma are primarily based on the experiences of returning military veterans. In this study, we conducted thematic analysis of a purposive sample of 49 oral histories of responders to the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks to understand how they navigated life with their spouses after the response experience. Use of multiple coders and analytic matrices increased analytic rigor. In the sample, 34.7% disclosed a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and another 22.7% mentioned experiencing at least one trauma symptom. Most responders had not sought mental health intervention, relying instead on their spouses' caregiving. Responders reported limited disclosure to their spouses about the details of their 9/11/01 response work, which may have helped them cope emotionally with repeated 9/11/01 clean-up duties. Shared values regarding the common good and patriotism were important for maintaining an intimate relationship after 9/11/01, and helping partners understand and feel understood by each other.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mishal Riaz
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | - Ashlee McGlone
- Stony Brook WTC Wellness Program, Commack, New York, USA
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Hong BA, Pollio DE, Pollio EW, Sims OT, Pedrazine A, North CS. Religious and Spiritual Aspects of Disaster Experience Among Survivors of the 9/11 Attacks on New York City's World Trade Center. J Relig Health 2019; 58:1619-1630. [PMID: 30825031 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00785-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study examined religious and spiritual aspects of disaster experience among 379 survivors of the 9/11 attacks on New York City's World Trade Center. Interviews conducted 35 months after the disaster provided structured diagnostic assessments of psychiatric disorders and specific detail of demographic characteristics, experience of the disaster, and variables related to religion and spirituality. The study participants overwhelmingly identified with a specific religion. The disaster appeared to have only modest effects on strength and importance of religion/spirituality, and changes were predominantly positive. Specific religions and faith groups differed in their disaster experience in important ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry A Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - David E Pollio
- Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - E Whitney Pollio
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Omar T Sims
- Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Anthony Pedrazine
- The Altshuler Center for Education and Research, Metrocare Services, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Carol S North
- The Altshuler Center for Education and Research, Metrocare Services, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Bellehsen M, Moline J, Rasul R, Bevilacqua K, Schneider S, Kornrich J, Schwartz RM. A Quality Improvement Assessment of the Delivery of Mental Health Services among WTC Responders Treated in the Community. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E1536. [PMID: 31052246 PMCID: PMC6540212 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides mental health services through diverse service delivery mechanisms, however there are no current benchmarks to evaluate utilization or quality. This quality improvement (QI) initiative sought to examine the delivery and effectiveness of WTCHP mental health services for World Trade Center (WTC) responders who receive care through the Northwell Health Clinical Center of Excellence (CCE), and to characterize the delivery of evidence-based treatments (EBT) for mental health (MH) difficulties in this population. Methods include an analysis of QI data from the Northwell CCE, and annual WTCHP monitoring data for all responders certified for mental health treatment. Nearly 48.9% of enrolled responders with a WTC-certified diagnosis utilized treatment. The majority of treatment delivered was focused on WTC-related conditions. There was significant disagreement between provider-reported EBT use and independently-evaluated delivery of EBT (95.6% vs. 54.8%, p ≤ 0.001). EBT delivery was associated with a small decrease in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms over time. Providers engaged in the process of data collection, but there were challenges with adherence to outcome monitoring and goal setting. Data from this report can inform continued QI efforts in the WTCHP, as well as the implementation and evaluation of EBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayer Bellehsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Unified Behavioral Health Center and World Trade Center Health Program, Northwell Health, 132 East Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Moline
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health, 175 Community Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA.
| | - Rehana Rasul
- Department of Biostatistics and Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health, 175 Community Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA.
| | - Kristin Bevilacqua
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health, 175 Community Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA.
| | - Samantha Schneider
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health, 175 Community Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA.
| | - Jason Kornrich
- World Trade Center Health Center, Northwell Health, 97-77 Queens Blvd, Rego Park, NY 11374, USA.
| | - Rebecca M Schwartz
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention and Northwell Health and Joint Center for Trauma, Disaster Health and Resilience at Mount Sinai, Stony Brook University, and Northwell Health, 175 Community Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA.
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Mukherjee S, Clouston S, Kotov R, Bromet E, Luft B. Handgrip Strength of World Trade Center (WTC) Responders: The Role of Re-Experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E1128. [PMID: 30934818 PMCID: PMC6480128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study sought to examine whether handgrip strength (HGS), a measure of muscle strength and a biomarker of aging, was associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a cohort of World Trade Center (WTC) responders at midlife. Methods: HGS was assessed utilizing a computer-assisted hand dynamometer administered to a consecutive sample of men and women (n = 2016) who participated in rescue and recovery efforts following the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks and subsequently attended monitoring appointments in Long Island, NY. PTSD symptom severity and depressive symptoms were assessed using the PTSD specific-trauma checklist (PCL-S) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). General linear models were used to examine the association of WTC-related PTSD with HGS after adjusting for confounders. Results: The sample was at midlife (mean age = 53.3) when assessed, and 91.3% were men. Nearly 10% of the sample had probable PTSD (PCL ≥ 44) with concomitant depression (PHQ ≥ 10), while 5.1% had probable PTSD without depression. Average HGS was 57.4 lbs. (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 56.6⁻58.1) among men and 36.1 lbs. (95% CI = 33.8⁻38.5) among women. Mean HGS of those with probable PTSD with concomitant depression was lower (45.9 lbs., 95% CI = 43.6⁻48.2) than responders with only PTSD (49.1 lbs., 95% CI = 46.0⁻52.4) and those without PTSD or depression (57.5 lbs., 95% CI = 56.2⁻57.8). Subdomain analyses of PTSD symptoms revealed that re-experiencing symptoms at enrollment (p = 0.003) was associated with lower HGS after adjusting for depressive symptoms and other confounders. Discussion: Results suggested that higher WTC-related PTSD symptom severity was associated with lower HGS. Results support ongoing work suggesting that PTSD may be associated with more rapid physical aging. The potential for developing interventions that might simultaneously improve physical and mental health in the aftermath of trauma may be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyadeep Mukherjee
- Community Health and Wellness, Health & Physical Education Department, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI 02908, USA.
| | - Sean Clouston
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Evelyn Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Benjamin Luft
- World Trade Center Health and Wellness Program Director, Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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Brackbill RM, Alper HE, Frazier P, Gargano LM, Jacobson MH, Solomon A. An Assessment of Long-Term Physical and Emotional Quality of Life of Persons Injured on 9/11/2001. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E1054. [PMID: 30909548 PMCID: PMC6466210 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen years after the disaster, the World Trade Center Health Registry (Registry) conducted The Health and Quality of Life Survey (HQoL) assessing physical and mental health status among those who reported sustaining an injury on 11 September 2001 compared with non-injured persons. Summary scores derived from the Short Form-12 served as study outcomes. United States (US) population estimates on the Physical Component Score (PCS-12) and Mental Component Score (MCS-12) were compared with scores from the HQoL and were stratified by Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and injury status. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between both injury severity and PTSD and PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores. Level of injury severity and PTSD history significantly predicted poorer physical health (mean PCS-12). There was no significant difference between injury severity level and mental health (mean MCS-12). Controlling for other factors, having PTSD symptoms after 9/11 predicted a nearly 10-point difference in mean MCS-12 compared with never having PTSD. Injury severity and PTSD showed additive effects on physical and mental health status. Injury on 9/11 and a PTSD history were each associated with long-term decrements in physical health status. Injury did not predict long-term decrements in one's mental health status. Although it is unknown whether physical wounds of the injury healed, our results suggest that traumatic injuries appear to have a lasting negative effect on perceived physical functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Brackbill
- World Trade Center Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA.
| | - Howard E Alper
- World Trade Center Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA.
| | - Patricia Frazier
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Lisa M Gargano
- World Trade Center Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA.
| | - Melanie H Jacobson
- World Trade Center Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA.
| | - Adrienne Solomon
- World Trade Center Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA.
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29
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Jordan HT, Osahan S, Li J, Stein CR, Friedman SM, Brackbill RM, Cone JE, Gwynn C, Mok HK, Farfel MR. Persistent mental and physical health impact of exposure to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Environ Health 2019; 18:12. [PMID: 30755198 PMCID: PMC6373081 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0449-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression have each been linked to exposure to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attacks (9/11). We described the prevalence and patterns of these conditions and associated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) fifteen years after the attacks. METHODS We studied 36,897 participants in the WTC Health Registry, a cohort of exposed rescue/recovery workers and community members, who completed baseline (2003-2004) and follow-up (2015-16) questionnaires. Lower respiratory symptoms (LRS; cough, dyspnea, or wheeze), gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) and self-reported clinician-diagnosed asthma and GERD history were obtained from surveys. PTSD was defined as a score > 44 on the PTSD checklist, and depression as a score > 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Poor HRQOL was defined as reporting limited usual daily activities for > 14 days during the month preceding the survey. RESULTS In 2015-16, 47.8% of participants had ≥1 of the conditions studied. Among participants without pre-existing asthma, 15.4% reported asthma diagnosed after 9/11; of these, 76.5% had LRS at follow up. Among those without pre-9/11 GERD, 22.3% reported being diagnosed with GERD after 9/11; 72.2% had GERS at follow-up. The prevalence of PTSD was 14.2%, and of depression was 15.3%. HRQOL declined as the number of comorbidities increased, and was particularly low among participants with mental health conditions. Over one quarter of participants with PTSD or depression reported unmet need for mental health care in the preceding year. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of participants reported having developed at least one of the physical or mental health conditions studied by 2015-2016; comorbidity among conditions was common. Poor HRQOL and unmet need for health were frequently reported, particularly among those with post-9/11 PTSD or depression. Comprehensive physical and mental health care are essential for survivors of complex environmental disasters, and continued efforts to connect 9/11-exposed persons to needed resources are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah T Jordan
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA.
- Present Address: Bureau of Tuberculosis Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 42-09 28th St., CN-72B, Long Island City, Queens, NY, 11101, USA.
| | - Sukhminder Osahan
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiehui Li
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cheryl R Stein
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, One Park Avenue, room 7-314, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen M Friedman
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert M Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - James E Cone
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charon Gwynn
- Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY, USA
| | - Ho Ki Mok
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark R Farfel
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
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Kung WW, Liu X, Goldmann E, Huang D, Wang X, Kim K, Kim P, Yang LH. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the short and medium term following the World Trade Center attack among Asian Americans. J Community Psychol 2018; 46:1075-1091. [PMID: 30311973 PMCID: PMC6365301 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated patterns of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their predictors among 2,431 Asian American and 31,455 non-Hispanic White World Trade Center (WTC) Registry participants 2-3 years and 5-6 years after the WTC attack. Participants were divided into four PTSD pattern groups: resilient, remitted, delayed onset, and chronic. Asians had a lower proportion in the resilient group (76.5% vs. 79.8%), a higher proportion in the chronic (8.6% vs. 7.4%) and remitted (5.9% vs. 3.4%) groups, and a similar proportion in the delayed onset group (about 9%) compared to Whites. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, disaster exposure, immigrant status, lower income, pre-attack depression/anxiety, and lower respiratory symptoms were associated with increased odds of chronic and delayed onset PTSD (vs. resilience) among both races. Education and employment were protective against chronic and delayed onset PTSD among Whites only. These results can inform targeted outreach efforts to enhance prevention and treatment for Asians affected by future events.
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Aase DM, Gorka SM, Greenstein JE, Proescher E, Crane NA, Everett LK, Hassan I, Osborn A, Schroth C, Kennedy-Krage A, Phan KL. Cognitive reappraisal moderates the relationship between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use over time in post-9/11 U.S. military veterans. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 191:159-164. [PMID: 30118943 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are increasing among post-9/11 veterans, and emotion regulation problems have been identified as a feature of both disorders. However, no studies to date have explored how individual differences in emotion regulation may moderate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use. We evaluated how two core emotion regulation strategies - one adaptive (i.e., cognitive reappraisal) and one maladaptive (i.e., expressive suppression) are related to PTSD symptoms and alcohol use over one-year. METHODS A total of 71 post-9/11 veterans (12 female, 59 male) completed a baseline screening and at least two follow-up assessments over the course of 12 months which included measures of emotion regulation, PTSD symptoms, and alcohol use. A mixed growth model was utilized to determine if changes in PTSD symptoms covaried with alcohol use over time and whether this relation was moderated by frequency of use of emotion regulation strategies. RESULTS In general, higher PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with greater alcohol use, but cognitive reappraisal moderated this relationship. Specifically, at low cognitive reappraisal, greater PTSD symptoms were associated with greater alcohol use. At high cognitive reappraisal, there was no significant association between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS Findings from the present study suggest that baseline individual differences in cognitive reappraisal influence the relation between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use. For post-9/11 veterans, high levels of cognitive reappraisal may serve as a protective factor against ongoing alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrin M Aase
- Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA; College of Health and Human Services, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484, USA.
| | - Stephanie M Gorka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Justin E Greenstein
- Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Eric Proescher
- Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Natania A Crane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Llashe-Kaye Everett
- Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ikram Hassan
- Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amanda Osborn
- Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Christopher Schroth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Amy Kennedy-Krage
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - K Luan Phan
- Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
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Abstract
Despite the fact that Asians constituted a sizeable proportion of those exposed to the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001 due to its proximity to Chinatown and many South Asians working in the nearby buildings, no study had focused on examining the mental health impact of the attack in this group. Based on data collected by the World Trade Center Health Registry from a sample of 4721 Asians 2-3 years after the disaster, this study provides a baseline investigation for the prevalence and the risk and protective factors for PTSD among Asian Americans directly exposed to the attack and compared this population against 42,862 non-Hispanic Whites. We found that Asians had a higher prevalence of PTSD compared to Whites (14.6 vs 11.7%). "Race-specific factors" significantly associated to PTSD in the multivariate analyses were noted among sociodemographics: higher education was protective for Whites but a risk factor for Asians; being employed was protective for Whites but had no effect for Asians; and being an immigrant was a risk factor for Whites but had no effect for Asians. However, income was a protective factor for both races. Other "universal factors" significantly increased the odds of PTSD symptoms but showed no racial differences, including exposure to the disaster and the presence of lower respiratory symptoms which intensified odds of PTSD by the greatest magnitude (3.6-3.9 times). Targeted effort to reach out to Asians is essential for prevention and follow up treatment given this group's striking history of underutilization of mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie W Kung
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Debbie Huang
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Kim
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lawrence H Yang
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Lowell A, Suarez-Jimenez B, Helpman L, Zhu X, Durosky A, Hilburn A, Schneier F, Gross R, Neria Y. 9/11-related PTSD among highly exposed populations: a systematic review 15 years after the attack. Psychol Med 2018; 48:537-553. [PMID: 28805168 PMCID: PMC5805615 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717002033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Lowell
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - B. Suarez-Jimenez
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - L. Helpman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - X. Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - A. Durosky
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - A. Hilburn
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - F. Schneier
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - R. Gross
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Division of Psychiatry, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Y. Neria
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Pierce M, Bergman A. Panel reports: Intergenerational transmission of trauma: What we have learned from our work with mother and infants affected by the trauma of 9/11. The International Journal of Psychoanalysis 2017; 87:555-7. [PMID: 16581591 DOI: 10.1516/fh80-9ydh-cmqf-1vkv] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Hansen BT, Østergaard SD, Sønderskov KM, Dinesen PT. Increased Incidence Rate of Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders in Denmark After the September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks in the United States. Am J Epidemiol 2016; 184:494-500. [PMID: 27608664 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kww089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001 (hereafter referred to as 9/11) in the United States had a profound impact on the physical and mental health of Americans, but the effects beyond the United States are largely unknown. To understand the wider aftermath, we examined the consequences of the 9/11 attacks on mental disorders in the Kingdom of Denmark. Utilizing population data from the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register from 1995 to 2012, we used a time-series intervention approach to estimate the change in the incidence rate of mental disorders after the 9/11 attacks. Based on analyses of 1,448,250 contacts with psychiatric services, we found that the attacks were followed by an immediate 16% increase in the incidence rate of trauma- and stressor-related disorders. This surge dissipated approximately a year after 9/11. In contrast, no similar increases were found for other disorders. This is consistent with the prominent role of external stressors in the etiology of trauma- and stressor-related disorders. The results indicate that the effects of 9/11 on mental disorders extended across the Atlantic Ocean to Denmark. Thus, the impact of terrorist attacks on mental health is likely not limited to inhabitants of the country under attack; it also extends to people far away and without immediate relation to it.
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Abstract
A sample of 440 undergraduate university students completed the Templer Death Anxiety Scale 2 wk. prior to and 2 wk. after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Women comprised 66% of the sample, and 79% of the sample identified themselves as 18 to 21 years of age and either freshmen or sophomores. There was no significant mean difference in the pre- and postterrorist attack Death Anxiety scores. Differences were found on two individual scale items.
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Pesko MF, Baum CF. The self-medication hypothesis: Evidence from terrorism and cigarette accessibility. Econ Hum Biol 2016; 22:94-102. [PMID: 27037500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We use single equation and system instrumental variable models to explore if individuals smoke during times of stress (the motivation effect) and if they are successful in self-medicating short-term stress (the self-medication effect). Short-term stress is a powerful motivator of smoking, and the decision to smoke could trigger biological feedback that immediately reduces short-term stress. We use data on self-reported smoking and stress from 240,388 current and former smokers. We instrument short-term stress with temporal distance from September 11, 2001 (using date of interview). We instrument smoking with cigarette accessibility measures of cigarette price changes and distance to state borders. In the absence of accounting for endogeneity, we find that smoking is associated with increases in short-term stress. However, when we account for endogeneity we find no evidence of smoking affecting short-term stress. We do find a consistent positive effect of short-term stress on smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Pesko
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, United States.
| | - Christopher F Baum
- Department of Economics and School of Social Work, Boston College, United States; Department of Macroeconomics, DIW Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
This study investigated whether stress symptoms related to attention deficit previously found for a sample ( n = 149) of Chicago-area college students 1 to 5 weeks after the September 11th attacks were present in a comparable sample ( n = 129) 12 to 14 months later. As hypothesized, the later participants had a significantly lower mean score on the scale, Attention Deficit of the Smith Stress Symptoms Inventory, than a different group of participants tested immediately after the attacks. Mean Attention Deficit scores for groups after one year and immediately before September 11th ( n = 320) did not differ statistically. Findings are consistent with the interpretation that elevations in scores on Attention Deficit immediately after September 11th were indeed associated with the catastrophic attacks and not artifacts of time of examination. Consistent with previous research with this inventory, disaster-related traumatic stress scores are lower over time, although here no control group was included.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Piiparinen
- Roosevelt University Stress Institute, Chicago, IL 60605, USA.
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Abstract
This study investigated the associations among terrorist threat, right-wing authoritarianism, self-esteem, and their relations in support for democratic values. Students ( n = 140) completed Altemeyer's Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, and the Democratic Values Scale. The participants also read an editorial regarding the events of 9/11/01 and completed two mortality-salience questions to induce a sense of threat. Results showed that self-esteem was a significant contributor to the prediction of scores on the Democratic Values Scale. Furthermore, the interaction between self-esteem and right-wing authoritarianism explained significant variance in the Democratic Values Scale scores. The results are interpreted in light of theories addressing authoritarianism and self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Shaffer
- Department of Psychology and Social Sciences, Mount Aloysius College, Cresson, PA 16630-1999, USA
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Schwarzer R, Cone JE, Li J, Bowler RM. A PTSD symptoms trajectory mediates between exposure levels and emotional support in police responders to 9/11: a growth curve analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:201. [PMID: 27373581 PMCID: PMC4931706 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) on 9/11/2001 resulted in continuing stress experience manifested as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms in a minority of the police responders. The WTC Health Registry has followed up a large number of individuals, including police officers, at three waves of data collection from 2003 to 2011. This analysis examines the relationship between initial exposure levels, long-term PTSD symptoms, and subsequent emotional support among police responders. METHODS The study population included police responders who had reported their 9/11 exposure levels at Wave 1 (2003/4), provided three waves of data on PTSD symptoms using the 17-item PCL scale, and rated their received emotional support at Wave 3 (N = 2,204, 1,908 men, 296 women, mean age: 38 years at exposure). A second-order growth curve reflected a PTSD symptom trajectory which was embedded in a structural equation model, with exposure level specified as an exogenous predictor, and emotional support specified as an endogenous outcome. RESULTS Exposure had a main effect on mean symptom levels (intercept) across three waves but it made no difference in changes in symptoms (slope), and no difference in emotional support. The symptom trajectory, on the other hand, had an effect on emotional support. Its intercept and slope were both related to support, indicating that changes in symptoms affected later emotional support. CONCLUSIONS Initial trauma exposure levels can have a long-term effect on mean symptom levels. Emotional support is lower in police responders when PTSD symptoms persist over seven years, but becomes higher when reduction in symptoms occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Schwarzer
- />Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia
- />SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - James E. Cone
- />World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY USA
| | - Jiehui Li
- />World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY USA
| | - Rosemarie M. Bowler
- />Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA USA
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Landau MJ, Solomon S, Greenberg J, Cohen F, Pyszczynski T, Arndt J, Miller CH, Ogilvie DM, Cook A. Deliver us from Evil: The Effects of Mortality Salience and Reminders of 9/11 on Support for President George W. Bush. Pers Soc Psychol Bull 2016; 30:1136-50. [PMID: 15359017 DOI: 10.1177/0146167204267988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 401] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
According to terror management theory, heightened concerns about mortality should intensify the appeal of charismatic leaders. To assess this idea, we investigated how thoughts about death and the 9/11 terrorist attacks influence Americans’ attitudes toward current U.S. President George W. Bush. Study 1 found that reminding people of their own mortality (mortality salience) increased support for Bush and his counterterrorism policies. Study 2 demonstrated that subliminal exposure to 9/11-related stimuli brought death-related thoughts closer to consciousness. Study 3 showed that reminders of both mortality and 9/11 increased support for Bush. In Study 4, mortality salience led participants to become more favorable toward Bush and voting for him in the upcoming election but less favorable toward Presidential candidate John Kerry and voting for him. Discussion focused on the role of terror management processes in allegiance to charismatic leaders and political decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Landau
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0068, USA.
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Abstract
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were traumatic for people living throughout the United States. It has been suggested that people living far from the attacks experienced increased stress because of their exposure to the terrorist events via the media, particularly via television. Following a traumatic or stressful event, individuals may have dreams that reflect that experience. As part of a course on dreaming, individuals recorded their dreams both prior to and following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. On September 12, these same individuals reported their activities and media exposure the previous day. Results revealed (a) changes in dream features following the attacks and (b) a strong relation between exposure to the events on television and changes in dream features after the attacks. Because of the study's within-subjects design, the results provide evidence for a direct association between television viewing and subsequent increases in stress and trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Propper
- Psychology Department, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845, USA.
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Doré BP, Meksin R, Mather M, Hirst W, Ochsner KN. Highly accurate prediction of emotions surrounding the attacks of September 11, 2001 over 1-, 2-, and 7-year prediction intervals. J Exp Psychol Gen 2016; 145:788-95. [PMID: 27100309 DOI: 10.1037/xge0000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the aftermath of a national tragedy, important decisions are predicated on judgments of the emotional significance of the tragedy in the present and future. Research in affective forecasting has largely focused on ways in which people fail to make accurate predictions about the nature and duration of feelings experienced in the aftermath of an event. Here we ask a related but understudied question: can people forecast how they will feel in the future about a tragic event that has already occurred? We found that people were strikingly accurate when predicting how they would feel about the September 11 attacks over 1-, 2-, and 7-year prediction intervals. Although people slightly under- or overestimated their future feelings at times, they nonetheless showed high accuracy in forecasting (a) the overall intensity of their future negative emotion, and (b) the relative degree of different types of negative emotion (i.e., sadness, fear, or anger). Using a path model, we found that the relationship between forecasted and actual future emotion was partially mediated by current emotion and remembered emotion. These results extend theories of affective forecasting by showing that emotional responses to an event of ongoing national significance can be predicted with high accuracy, and by identifying current and remembered feelings as independent sources of this accuracy. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Bromet EJ, Hobbs MJ, Clouston SAP, Gonzalez A, Kotov R, Luft BJ. DSM-IV post-traumatic stress disorder among World Trade Center responders 11-13 years after the disaster of 11 September 2001 (9/11). Psychol Med 2016; 46:771-783. [PMID: 26603700 PMCID: PMC4754831 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291715002184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic symptomatology is one of the signature effects of the pernicious exposures endured by responders to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster of 11 September 2001 (9/11), but the long-term extent of diagnosed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its impact on quality of life are unknown. This study examines the extent of DSM-IV PTSD 11-13 years after the disaster in WTC responders, its symptom profiles and trajectories, and associations of active, remitted and partial PTSD with exposures, physical health and psychosocial well-being. METHOD Master's-level psychologists administered sections of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and the Range of Impaired Functioning Tool to 3231 responders monitored at the Stony Brook University World Trade Center Health Program. The PTSD Checklist (PCL) and current medical symptoms were obtained at each visit. RESULTS In all, 9.7% had current, 7.9% remitted, and 5.9% partial WTC-PTSD. Among those with active PTSD, avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms were most commonly, and flashbacks least commonly, reported. Trajectories of symptom severity across monitoring visits showed a modestly increasing slope for active and decelerating slope for remitted PTSD. WTC exposures, especially death and human remains, were strongly associated with PTSD. After adjusting for exposure and critical risk factors, including hazardous drinking and co-morbid depression, PTSD was strongly associated with health and well-being, especially dissatisfaction with life. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate the extent and correlates of long-term DSM-IV PTSD among responders. Although most proved resilient, there remains a sizable subgroup in need of continued treatment in the second decade after 9/11.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry,
Putnam Hall-South Campus, Stony Brook
University, Stony Brook, NY,
USA
| | - M. J. Hobbs
- Department of Psychiatry,
Putnam Hall-South Campus, Stony Brook
University, Stony Brook, NY,
USA
| | - S. A. P. Clouston
- Program in Public Health and Department of
Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook University,
Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - A. Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry,
Putnam Hall-South Campus, Stony Brook
University, Stony Brook, NY,
USA
| | - R. Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry,
Putnam Hall-South Campus, Stony Brook
University, Stony Brook, NY,
USA
| | - B. J. Luft
- Department of Medicine,
Stony Brook University, Stony Brook,
NY, USA
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45
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Cotton MA. Sacrifice, the Bush Way: From Self to Others. J Psychohist 2016; 44:41-59. [PMID: 27480013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Walker Bush dynasty has marked the last American century, promoting "corporate democracy" as a means to expand its wealth. As 43rd President of the United States, George Walker Bush's biography illustrates how the members of our powerful elite sacrifice the inner self of their own children for the sake of political success. In his case, the childrearing violence and emotional neglect he experienced created the psychological basis for his later re-enactments as commander-in-chief in the wake of 9/11. From that standpoint, his intergenerational legacy of trauma bears strong affinities with that of the nation as a whole. This paper examines George W. Bush's paternal inheritance, the problem of maternal abuse and its subsequent psychic wounds, as well as the impact of an unresolved grief after the loss of his younger sister, Robin. Restaging childhood traumas as a vengeful young adult at Yale, before getting involved in dirty politics, Bush supported unlawful hazing practices. Then, as Governor of Texas he promoted the death penalty and a zero-tolerance approach to juvenile offenders. Controversial decisions of the Bush administration regarding the Enhanced Interrogation Program, the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and many others are further scrutinized as collective re-enactments of abuse deeply engrained in American society.
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Tsai AC, Venkataramani AS. Communal bereavement and resilience in the aftermath of a terrorist event: Evidence from a natural experiment. Soc Sci Med 2015; 146:155-63. [PMID: 26517292 PMCID: PMC4643388 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Sociological analyses of the psychological distress experienced by persons indirectly exposed to traumatic stressors have been conceptualized as a form of communal bereavement, defined by Catalano and Hartig (2001) as the experience of distress among persons not attached to the deceased. Their theory predicts communal bereavement responses particularly in the setting of loss of essential state, religious, or economic institutions. OBJECTIVE To estimate the extent to which the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. World Trade Center had a causal effect on psychological distress nationwide. METHODS We used a difference-in-differences framework applied to repeated cross-sectional data from more than 300,000 participants in the 2000 and 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. Psychological distress was measured using three questions eliciting days of poor mental health-related quality of life. The September 11 attacks served as our exposure of interest. RESULTS The September 11 attacks had a statistically significant, adverse, causal effect on psychological distress nationally. Both the magnitude and statistical significance of the estimated effects were larger in the New York City region compared to the rest of the country. Our estimates were robust to probes of the parallel trends assumption and potential sources of selection bias, as well as to falsification tests. However, these effects had largely resolved within four weeks. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to findings from the medical and public health literature, we conclude that the September 11 attacks did not have lasting effects on communal bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Tsai
- Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Global Health, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, USA; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Atheendar S Venkataramani
- Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Global Health, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Meyers JL, Lowe SR, Eaton NR, Krueger R, Grant BF, Hasin D. Childhood maltreatment, 9/11 exposure, and latent dimensions of psychopathology: A test of stress sensitization. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 68:337-45. [PMID: 26037889 PMCID: PMC4677391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
On September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack occurred in the U.S. (9/11). Research on 9/11 and psychiatric outcomes has focused on individual disorders rather than the broader internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) domains of psychopathology, leaving unknown whether direct and indirect 9/11 exposure differentially impacted these domains rather than individual disorders. Further, whether such effects were exacerbated by earlier childhood maltreatment (i.e. stress sensitization) is unknown. 18,713 participants from a U.S. national sample with no history of psychiatric disorders prior to 9/11 were assessed using a structured in-person interview. Structural equation modeling conducted in a sample who endorsed no psychiatric history prior to 9/11, indicated that indirect exposure to 9/11 (i.e. media, friends/family) was related to both EXT (alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis dependence, and antisocial personality disorder) and INT (major depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) dimensions of psychopathology (EXT: β = 0.10, p < 0.001; INT: β = 0.11, p < 0.001) whereas direct exposure was associated with the INT dimension only (β = 0.11, p < 0.001). For individuals who had experienced childhood maltreatment, the risk for EXT and INT dimensions associated with 9/11 was exacerbated (Interactions: β = 0.06, p < 0.01; β = 0.07, p < 0.001, respectively). These findings indicate that 9/11 impacted latent liability to broad domains of psychopathology in the US general population rather than specific disorders with the exception of PTSD, which had independent effects beyond INT (as indicated by a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in modification indices). Findings also indicated that childhood maltreatment increases the risk associated with adult trauma exposure, providing further evidence for the concept of stress sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn L Meyers
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sarah R Lowe
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Nicholas R Eaton
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Robert Krueger
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bridget F Grant
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biometry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Abstract
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, affected thousands of children psychologically, necessitating the mobilization of multifaceted mental health interventions in an ecological context. This paper reviews the major role of large and small group modalities in this challenging effort, with many of them based on earlier group work with child-victims of trauma.
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Abstract
This article describes how the author brought together a group of parents who had lost adult children in the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attack. It chronicles the group's progress at different stages with special emphasis given to the first year. The author addresses the importance of encouraging member-to-member dialogue and bonding, as a means of reducing the symptoms of social isolation, emotional numbing, and intrusive imagery. The powerful grip of induced feelings on the leader and the importance of a consultant to manage this are highlighted as well as the complexity of ending such a group.
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