[Factors affecting the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder after a terrorist attack]

On 3 January 2008 explosives placed in an automobile on a thoroughfare in Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey exploded in a terrorist attack. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for the diagnosis of and the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among individuals who were eye- or earwitnesses to the explosion 1 and 3 months after the explosion.

Among the residents and workers in close proximity to the explosion site, 216 individuals who were eye- or earwitnesses to the explosion were included in the study. A sociodemographic data form and a traumatic stress symptom scale were administered to the participants 1 and 3 months following the explosion.

In all, 12.5% of the participants were diagnosed with PTSD 1 month post-explosion versus 9.6% 3 months post-explosion. While history of psychiatric disorder and physical injury were risk factors for PTSD 1 month post-explosion, risk factors 3 months post-explosion was history of psychiatric disorder.

PTSD occurs at high rates in individuals exposed to terrorist attacks. More studies following such events are required in Turkey. In light of these results it is advised that individuals at risk of PTSD receive therapeutic and preventive interventions provided by mental health professionals.