Sniper attacks lead to post-traumatic stress disorder among Washington residents

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

During the Washington sniper attacks of 2002, local residents suffered symptoms linked to post-traumatic stress disorder.
During a three week period in 2002, the so-called 'Washington Sniper' went on a random killing spree claiming ten lives in 13 attacks. How does having such an individual on the loose affect the psychological wellbeing of the local population? Researchers at the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set out to answer this question.

They carried out phone interviews with 1,205 people and found that more than one third stayed indoors more often than usual during the period of the Washington Sniper attacks. Nearly half reported avoiding public spaces. For seven per cent, symptoms were severe enough to suggest they could be suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, PTSD, a psychological disorder resulting from exposure to stressful events. PTSD symptoms were four times more likely among women living close to the sniper incidents compared to those living farther away. The study did not set out to diagnose PTSD, merely to help pinpoint those who might be at risk of it. In this age of terror attacks and random killings, the impact on the psychological health of those exposed to such incidents needs to be considered. The possibility of PTSD shouldn't be overlooked by medical professionals caring for these bystanders.

Source
American Journal of Preventive Medicine October 2006 Volume 31 Number 4

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