A national survey of stress reactions after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks

Background: People who are not present at a traumatic event may experience stress reactions. We assessed the immediate mental health effects of the te rrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Methods: Using random-digit dialing three to five days after September 11, we interviewed a nationally representative sample of 560 U.S. adults about their reactions to the terrorist attacks and their perceptions of their chi ldren's reactions. Results: Forty-four percent of the adults reported one or more substantial symptoms of stress; 90 percent had one or more symptoms to at least some de gree. Respondents throughout the country reported stress symptoms. They cop ed by talking with others (98 percent), turning to religion (90 percent), p articipating in group activities (60 percent), and making donations (36 per cent). Eighty-four percent of parents reported that they or other adults in the household had talked to their children about the attacks for an hour o r more; 34 percent restricted their children's television viewing. Thirty-f ive percent of children had one or more stress symptoms, and 47 percent wer e worried about their own safety or the safety of loved ones. Conclusions: After the September 11 terrorist attacks, Americans across the country, including children, had substantial symptoms of stress. Even clin icians who practice in regions that are far from the recent attacks should be prepared to assist people with trauma-related symptoms of stress.