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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Survivors of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Attacks: A Review of the Literature

Author

Listed:
  • Meghan K. Hamwey

    (World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA)

  • Lisa M. Gargano

    (World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA)

  • Liza G. Friedman

    (World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA)

  • Lydia F. Leon

    (World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA)

  • Lysa J. Petrsoric

    (World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA)

  • Robert M. Brackbill

    (World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Meghan K. Hamwey & Lisa M. Gargano & Liza G. Friedman & Lydia F. Leon & Lysa J. Petrsoric & Robert M. Brackbill, 2020. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Survivors of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Attacks: A Review of the Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4344-:d:372864
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francesco Altamore & Iolanda Grappasonni & Neelam Laxhman & Stefania Scuri & Fabio Petrelli & Giuliana Grifantini & Pamela Accaramboni & Stefan Priebe, 2020. "Psychological symptoms and quality of life after repeated exposure to earthquake: A cohort study in Italy," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(5), pages 1-6, May.
    2. Rebecca Rosen & Zhaoyin Zhu & Yongzhao Shao & Mengling Liu & Jia Bao & Nomi Levy-Carrick & Joan Reibman, 2019. "Longitudinal Change of PTSD Symptoms in Community Members after the World Trade Center Destruction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-12, April.
    3. Shore, J.H. & Tatum, E.L. & Vollmer, W.M., 1986. "Evaluation of mental effects of disaster, Mount St. Helens eruption," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 76(S3), pages 76-83.
    4. Nair, H.P. & Ekenga, C.C. & Cone, J.E. & Brackbill, R.M. & Farfel, M.R. & Stellman, S.D., 2012. "Co-occurring lower respiratory symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder 5 to 6 years after the World Trade Center terrorist attack," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(10), pages 1964-1973.
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