Re-experiencing 9/11-Related PTSD Symptoms Following Exposure to Hurricane Sandy.

Jiehui Li,Howard E Alper,Lisa M Gargano,Robert M Brackbill,Carey B Maslow

doi:10.4172/1522-4821.1000404

Abstract

Understanding Pre-Existing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and risk of PTSD following Hurricane Sandy (Sandy) has important implications for PTSD screening of persons exposed to multiple traumas. This study assessed the association between Sandy exposure and a subset of PTSD symptoms related to re-experiencing trauma from the events of the September 11, 2001 (9/11). We studied 4,220 respondents from a random 8,870 person sample of adult World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees who completed a post-Sandy survey between March 28 and November 7, 2013. The symptom cluster of re-experiencing 9/11 was defined using 3 out of 5 questions in the intrusion domain of the PTSD Checklist. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographics, social support and any post-9/11 life threatening events prior to Sandy, was performed separately in those symptomatic and non-symptomatic of re-experiencing 9/11 prior to Sandy. A total of 688 enrollees (16.3%) reported re-experiencing 9/11 symptoms after Sandy (58.8% in those symptomatic prior to Sandy, and 8.7% in those non-symptomatic). A significant association between Sandy exposure and re-experiencing 9/11 was observed only among those non symptomatic prior to Sandy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.7, 95% confidence interval=1.2-2.3 for moderate Sandy exposure; AOR=2.8, 2.0-4.0 for high Sandy exposure). Individuals with a history of trauma should be considered for early screening and counseling for mental health after a subsequent traumatic event, regardless of PTSD status, especially in 9/11 exposed populations.

Highlights

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy (Sandy) struck New York City and surrounding areas, exposing large proportions of 9/11-exposed individuals to another potentially traumatic event
Individuals with a history of trauma should be considered for early screening and counseling for mental health after a subsequent traumatic event, regardless of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) status, especially in 9/11 exposed populations
Since many of the areas affected by Sandy were affected by the September 11th (9/11) terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City (NYC), people in those areas who experienced Sandy may have been vulnerable to or have triggered the memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks

Summary

Introduction

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy (Sandy) struck New York City and surrounding areas, exposing large proportions of 9/11-exposed individuals to another potentially traumatic event. An increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following Sandy has been reported in people with prior exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. Survey data one-month post-Sandy indicated Sandy exposure was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms among those with high level of recollections of the WTC disaster and past hurricanes, but not among those with low level of recollections (Palgi et al, 2014). Understanding Pre-Existing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and risk of PTSD following Hurricane Sandy (Sandy) has important implications for PTSD screening of persons exposed to multiple traumas. This study assessed the association between Sandy exposure and a subset of PTSD symptoms related to re-experiencing trauma from the events of the September 11, 2001 (9/11)

Methods

Results

Conclusion