Dimensional structure and course of post-traumatic stress symptomatology in World Trade Center responders

• DOI: 10.1017/s0033291713002924
• Publication Date: 2013-12-02T04:51:29Z
• Authors: R. H. Pietrzak; A. Feder; C. B. Schechter; R. Singh; L. Cancelmo; E. J. Bromet; C. L. Katz; D. B. Reissman; F. Ozbay; V. Sharma; M. Crane; D. Harrison; R. Herbert; S. M. Levin; B. J. Luft; J. M. Moline; J. M. Stellman; I. G. Udasin; R. El-Gabalawy; P. J. Landrigan; S. M. Southwick
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study; Traumatic stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in response to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster of 11 September 2001 (9/11) is one most prevalent and persistent health conditions among both professional (e.g. police) non-traditional construction worker) WTC responders, even several years after 9/11. However, little known about dimensionality natural course WTC-related PTSD symptomatology these populations.Data were analysed from 10 835 including 4035 police 6800 responders who evaluated as part Health Program, a clinic network New York area established by National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) used evaluate structural models symptom dimensionality; autoregressive cross-lagged (ARCL) panel regressions examine prospective interrelationships clusters at 3, 6 8 9/11.CFAs suggested that five stable best represent responders. This five-factor model was also invariant over time with respect loadings parameters, thereby demonstrating its longitudinal stability. ARCL regression revealed hyperarousal symptoms had prominent role predicting other PTSD, anxious arousal primarily driving re-experiencing symptoms, dysphoric emotional numbing time.Results this study suggest disaster-related represented dimensions. Anxious which are characterized hypervigilance exaggerated startle, may drive while sleep disturbance, irritability/anger concentration difficulties, time. These results underscore importance assessment, monitoring early intervention