World Trade Center Stress is Comparable to the War, Study Says

Chrissie Cole

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A newly released study suggests post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, in World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers is comparable to that of U.S. war veterans returning from Afghanistan.

The study is published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Many trade center workers suffered chronic impairment ranging from psychological distress to mental health and functioning that dramatically exceeds population norms.

The authors say the study findings underscore for a much needed long-term mental health screening and surveillance, and continued treatment for workers and that of their families.

10,132 workers participated in the study by answering a questionnaire. Nearly nine percent met criteria for percent, while five percent met criteria for panic disorders and sixty-two percent for substantial stress reaction.