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The Derryhirk Inn incident: the psychological sequelae
Oscar E Daly1, Timothy G Johnston
1Department of Psychiatry, Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn, Northern Ireland. oscar_daly@dltrust.n-i.nhs.uk
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|December 17, 2002
Summary
A 1997 Northern Ireland bar incident, though causing no physical harm, led to high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Incident severity, not perceived threat, predicted PTSD development in survivors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- A significant hostage incident occurred in a Northern Ireland bar in March 1997.
- 150 customers were held at gunpoint, but no serious physical injuries were reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychological impact on individuals exposed to a traumatic event without physical injury.
- To investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) six months after the incident.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study involving 68 individuals who experienced the bar incident.
- Assessment using semistructured interviews conducted six months post-incident.
Main Results:
- Higher than expected levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were identified among the assessed individuals.
- The severity of the traumatic incident was significantly associated with the development of PTSD.
- Perceived threat to life during the incident was not found to be a predictor of PTSD.
Conclusions:
- Significant psychopathology, including PTSD, can occur even in the absence of physical injury following a major traumatic event.
- The findings highlight the psychological vulnerability of individuals exposed to severe trauma, emphasizing the importance of mental health support.
- This study underscores the need for further research into the long-term psychological consequences of mass trauma incidents.