Psychological follow-up and its perception in civilians involved in the January 2015 terrorist attack in Paris, France

Abstract

Abstract Background A terrorist attack occurred in Paris in January 2015 against the staffs of the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a kosher grocery. This study examined the psychological follow-up and the non-satisfaction of the people civilians involved in the terrorist attacks. Methods The IMPACTS survey, an open cohort study of civilians involved in the terrorist attacks was conducted 6-10 (wave 1) and 18-22 months (wave 2) after the attacks. Psychologists interviewed in face-to-face 190 civilians in wave 1 and 123 of them participate to the wave 2. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, exposure level, social support, psychological support and perception, impact on work and social functioning, and mental health disorders. Results In wave 1 (N = 190), 24% of participants had initiated a regular follow-up with a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Reasons of non-follow-up were: they had refused because they did not feel the need or they did not want to talk about it (60%), it was not suggested to them (30%), or they have already had a follow-up before (12%). In wave 2 (N = 123), 25% had a regular follow-up with a psychologist/psychiatrist since the events, 22.0% had had a follow-up but not anymore in wave 2, 15% did not have a follow-up in wave 1 but they had in wave 2 and 38.2% never had. Psychological aid from professionals for resilience has not been appropriate for 32% of the participants at 6 months and for 39% at 18 months. In both waves, non-satisfaction of follow-up was more frequent among witnesses than with those who were directly exposed. Conclusions Six months after the January 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, among the participants without psychological follow-up, it was not offered to nearly a third of participants. In order to enhance resilience, psychological aid should also be provided to those who have not been directly exposed. Main message Psychological follow-up should be provided to all civilians in short and long-term.