DEALING WITH THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AFTERMATH OF A TERRORIST ATTACK - Part 3
SOME NUMBERS
In the immediate aftermath of an exceptionally severe traumatic event, up to two thirds of the affected people may develop symptoms suggestive of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, like flashbacks or nightmares related to the event, persistent hyper-arousal as in always being on the lookout for danger, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. The other most common illness associated with severe trauma is depression, which presents with persistent sadness and/or loss of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities, along with other symptoms like sleep or appetite disturbance.
After about 1-3 months the prevalence of these symptoms may drop to about one-third of people, and only about 2.5-3 % of people develop relatively long-term symptoms of PTSD.
It is important to understand this, as even professionals who do know these numbers make two common mistakes when planning psychological help for victims of severe trauma
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