September 11th--ripples across the ocean: perspectives from Tripler Army Medical Center

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• The September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks were a significant global event with far-reaching psychological consequences.
• Geographical distance does not insulate individuals from the mental health impacts of large-scale traumatic events.
• Previous research indicates that exposure to mass trauma can exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the psychological experiences and fallout of three individuals in Hawaii following the September 11th attacks.
• To illustrate how significant world events can affect individuals in remote locations.
• To examine the impact of 9/11 on both individuals with pre-existing mental illness and those without.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive approach.
• Case study analysis of three individuals residing in Hawaii.
• Inclusion of accounts from a client and two psychiatrists (staff and child fellow).

Main Results:

• The events of September 11th worsened a client's pre-existing illness.
• Psychiatrists reported observing subclinical symptoms in individuals not previously at high risk for psychopathology.
• The study demonstrates that even remote populations can experience psychological distress following major national or global events.

Conclusions:

• Significant world events can have profound psychological effects, even on individuals in geographically distant locations like Hawaii.
• Individuals with existing mental health conditions are at risk of symptom exacerbation following mass trauma.
• Subclinical psychological symptoms may emerge in the general population after exposure to large-scale traumatic events.