| Abstract: | Can expatriates witnessing the attack of their country from afar develop acute and posttraumatic stress reactions? In Brussels 50 expatriate Americans were surveyed in the 10 weeks following September 11. Of the sample, 10% (n=5) showed acute stress disorder in the 1st week, and 4% (n=2) persisted with traumatic stress indications in the following weeks. All participants showed symptoms of distress, including derealization, reexperiencing the event, avoidance, heightened arousal, trouble working, and assault on world assumptions. For most, symptoms diminished over time. Increased psychological readiness in terms of assessment, prevention, and treatment methods is called for in response to mass terrorism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
