Short communication
Lessons learned from 9/11: Mental health perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113024Get rights and content

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic will likely lead to high rates of PTSD, depression, and substance misuse among survivors, victims’ families, medical workers, and other essential personnel. The mental health response to the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks, culminating in a federally-funded health program, provides a template for how providers may serve affected individuals. Drawing on the 9/11 experience, we highlight effective prevention measures, likely short and long-term treatment needs, vulnerable subgroups, and important points of divergence between 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health monitoring, early identification of at-risk individuals, and treatment irrespective of financial barriers are essential for minimizing chronic distress.

Keywords

Disaster mental health
PTSD
Emergency responders

Cited by (0)

1

Permanent address: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA.

View Abstract