NCJ Number
227211
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: April/May 2009 Pages: 280-292
Date Published
May 2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study investigated posttraumatic stress and depression reactions among survivors of the Istanbul November 2003 terrorist attacks.
Abstract
Results of the study found that among 149 survivors, 35.6 percent reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 23.5 percent reported depression 6 months after the disaster. This prevalence rate of PTSD and depression 6 months after the Istanbul bombings was consistent with previous studies that have documented similar prevalence rates for Western populations affected by terrorism. Despite study limitations, the results emphasize the need for intermediate and long-term mental health services in a community exposed to human acts of violence. PTSD and depression are common reactions to traumatic events. In Turkey, the people of Istanbul were subjected to such traumatic events with the 3 separate terrorist bombings in November 2003, where 87 were killed and more than 1,000 were injured. This study was designed to examine the prevalence and associated risk factors of PTSD and depression among 149 survivors who were directly exposed to these attacks. Participants completed a questionnaire measuring exposure, current posttraumatic stress, and depression response 6 months after the bombings. Tables and references