One In Eight Lower Manhattan Residents Had Signs Of PTSD Two To Three Years After 9/11

The findings show that Lower Manhattan residents developed PTSD at three times the usual rate in the years following 9/11. The rate among residents (12.6%) matched the rate previously reported among rescue and recovery workers (12.4%). Residents who were injured during the attacks were the most likely to develop PTSD. 

The new study -- based on surveys of 11,000 residents through the World Trade Center Health Registry -- is the first to measure the attack's long-term effect on the mental health of community members. Aside from injured residents -- 38% of whom developed symptoms of PTSD -- the most affected groups were those who witnessed violent deaths and those caught in the dust cloud after the towers collapsed. Roughly 17% suffered PTSD in each of those groups. The symptoms most commonly reported were hyper-vigilance, nightmares and emotional reactions to reminders of 9/11.

Divorced residents reported symptoms at twice the rate of those who were married -- possibly because they received less emotional support. Women were affected at a higher rate than men (15% versus 10%), a disparity documented in other disasters. And black and Hispanic residents reported more symptoms than whites. Low levels of education and income also increased people's risk of PTSD.

Lower Manhattan Residents with PTSD in 2003-2004

• All: 12.6%
• Men: 10.1%
• Women: 14.6%
• White: 10.7%
• African American: 20.6%
• Hispanic: 24.7%
• Asian: 8.9%
• Earn $50,000 to $74,999: 11.3%
• Earn less than $25,000: 19.8%
• Less than high school diploma: 18.3%
• College graduate: 11.1%
• Married: 9.5%
• Divorced: 21.5%

"These findings confirm that the experience of 9/11 had lasting consequences for many of those affected by it," said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. "Any New Yorker who is still struggling with fear, anxiety, depression or substance use should seek treatment. Please call 311 if you need help finding treatment, or paying for it. Help is available."

About PTSD

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that stems from experiences involving intense fear, horror or hopelessness. People who develop the condition may become emotionally numb or hyper-alert. Many relive their trauma when reminded of it, and their lives are diminished by their efforts to avoid reminders. Many people recover with counseling or medication, but PTSD can lead to family problems, work problems and substance abuse.

The new study is published online in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.