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Posttraumatic stress in children with first responders in their families

Cristiane S Duarte1, Christina W Hoven, Ping Wu

  • 1Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, USA. duartec@childpsych.columbia.edu

Journal of Traumatic Stress
|April 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children of first responders, particularly those with emergency medical technician (EMT) family members, showed high rates of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the September 11th attacks. Mental health interventions should target EMT families for support.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • First responders faced significant occupational stress and exposure following the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.
  • Children in first-responder families may be at risk for psychological distress due to parental stress and exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the prevalence of mental health problems, specifically probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in New York City public school children 6 months after the World Trade Center attack.
  • To identify if children with family members in specific first-responder roles (e.g., EMTs, firefighters) exhibit different rates of probable PTSD.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 8,236 New York City public school children was conducted 6 months post-attack.
  • Data on mental health outcomes, including probable PTSD, were collected and analyzed.
  • Demographic characteristics were used to explain differences in PTSD rates between groups.

Main Results:

  • Children with emergency medical technician (EMT) family members had a high prevalence of probable PTSD (18.9%).
  • Differences in probable PTSD rates between children of EMTs and firefighters were accounted for by demographic factors.
  • Demographic characteristics, such as EMTs often being drawn from disadvantaged groups, were significant.

Conclusions:

  • Children of EMTs exhibit a high prevalence of probable PTSD following the September 11th attacks.
  • Targeting EMT families for mental health interventions is recommended, especially considering their potential socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
  • Further research may explore the specific mechanisms linking parental occupation to child trauma outcomes.

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