PTSD symptoms linger for 9/11 first responders, expert says

BALTIMORE —

A quarter of a century after the September 11 attacks, the emotional toll on first responders remains.

Post-traumatic stress can resurface at any time and linger for decades, according to a psychologist from the University of Maryland Medical Center who has treated many first responders.

“The percent of people who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after the World Trade Center attacks amongst first responders was about 23%, which is a lot higher than the estimated six to eight percent among the general population,” said Dr. Madeline Marks.

Marks said that two decades after the attacks, the persistence of PTSD symptoms is around 10%.

Signs of post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders include:

• Feeling angry
• Experiencing heightened emotions in everyday situations
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Nightmares
• Substance abuse.

Family members of first responders can also suffer mental health effects.