The impact of traumatic stressors in civilian occupational settings

Abstract

We use the literature reporting prevalence and aetiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in first responders as a catalyst to discuss for organisations the policy implications for prevention and intervention of psychiatric morbidity. We searched PubMed and Google to identify studies and reports of mental health and behavioural problems in occupations including police, fire, and emergency service workers. The prevalence of PTSD ranged from 6 per cent to 32 per cent. Biological markers of PTSD, such as neuroendocrine activity, appear less useful than psychological markers, such as levels of hostility and self-efficacy, to predict PTSD. Prevalence of PTSD was generally less than that found among victims themselves, but higher than general community prevalence. Theoretically, if prevention and intervention strategies were working effectively, there should be a minimal rate of psychiatric morbidity attributable to these individuals' workplaces. Against this background, there is a case for routine screening on an annual basis for those at risk.

The longitudinal course of PTSD among disaster workers deployed to the World Trade Center following the attacks of September 11th

“…These results underscore the importance of mandatory screening programs for groups exposed to high levels of trauma and disaster, as concluded by other studies of disaster workers (McFarlane, Williamson, & Barton, 2009). Individuals with a trauma history, comorbid major depression, and greater occupational exposure are at risk for chronic PTSD that was still evident 6 years after the event.…”

Inflammation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Review of Potential Correlates of PTSD with a Neurological Perspective

“…Furthermore, some studies have indicated that signs of inflammation may not necessarily correlate with the clinical symptoms of PTSD in a direct manner [15,16], and therefore the inclusion of one's immunological state along with the clinical symptom and severity of PTSD may provide further details of one's diagnostic state for PTSD in a more comprehensive manner. Moreover, considering that PTSD also has a late-onset tendency for clinical symptom development [17], incorporating data on the inflammatory state in the acute aftermath of trauma may help promote various strategies of early prevention and intervention for PTSD, as opposed to being solely dependent on the emergence of clinical symptoms as markers of the disorder.…”

What Occupational Health Needs Arise in Workplaces Following Disasters? A Joint Analysis of Eight Cases of Disaster in Japan

“…[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Except for studies by external occupational health experts examining the occupational health needs arising at workplaces during large-scale disasters, 25,26 few case reports on this matter have been published. 27,28 When the cause of the disaster is attributable to errors on the part of the company, they may be reluctant to disclose information on health issues during disasters.…”