A survey of New Yorkers after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms among residents/workers in Manhattan 3-6 months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A total of 1,009 adults (516 men and 493 women) were interviewed in person throughout Manhattan. All answered questions about themselves before and after September 11 that included their emotional status. A total of 56.3% had at least one severe or two or more mild to moderate symptoms. Women reported significantly more symptoms than men. Loss of employment, residence, or family/friends correlated with greater and more severe symptoms. The most distressing experiences appeared to be painful memories and reminders; dissociation was rare. Only 26.7% of individuals with severe symptoms were obtaining treatment. Over half of the individuals had some emotional sequelae 3-6 months after September 11, but the percent was decreasing. Only a small portion of those with severe responses was seeking treatment.