MIDAS Project Publication Abstracts
Franklin, C. L., Young, D., & Zimmerman, M. Psychiatric
patients' vulnerability in the wake of the September 11th
terrorist attacks. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,
2005, 190, 833-838.
Objective: The September 11th (9/11) terrorist
attacks led to speculation about the vulnerability of psychiatric
patients to psychological distress following such events. This study
examined the impact of national terrorist attacks on psychiatric
and medical outpatients living approximately 100 to 150 miles from
the attack sites (N = 308). Method: Two to three weeks following
9/11, patients were given questionnaires assessing background information
and psychiatric symptoms, including the Posttraumatic Diagnostic
Scale (PDS). Results: Psychiatric patients (33%) were significantly
more likely than medical patients (13%) to report distressing symptoms
meeting the PDS cutoff for PTSD (except for the duration criterion),
despite no differences in learning about the attacks or personal
involvement with the victims. Patients meeting the PDS cutoff for
PTSD were more likely to schedule an appointment to speak with their
physician about their reactions. Conclusion: Psychiatric
patients are at increased risk for experiencing distressing symptoms
following national terrorist attacks.
Back
|
