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AmJCaseRep

Post-traumatic stress disorder among health service providers

Monika Tomasik, Anna Samborska-Sablik, Wojciech Gaszyński, Dariusz Piotrowski

Med Sci Tech 2007; 48(1): RA23-28

ID: 881543

Available online:

Published: 1999-11-30


Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can become an after-effect of a traumatic experience. Symptoms of PTSD fall into three general categories: avoidance, arousal and recurrence of the event. The objective of this research paper was to establish the incidence of PTSD, risk factors of developing PTSD, and its further consequences. Material and Methods: A survey has been conducted among a group of 50 people chosen randomly (24 anesthesiologists, 18 doctors from first aid station, and 8 nurses from Intensive Care Unit). The survey was prepared by Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Lodz and served as the assessment tool. Results: The intensity of the three main symptoms ranged from 17 to 73 points; 17-199 being the maximum stretch. 5 points has been obtained by 6% of the respondents in the Recurrence group, at the same time 6% reached 25 points. 14% of Avoidance group obtained 7 points, 2% reached 27 points. 38% of Arousal group had 5 points, 2% reached 21 points. Conclusions: 1) 18% of the respondents developed PTSD. The most populous group with PTSD turned out to be the one consisting of anesthesiologists. 2) The most frequent traumatizing factor was terrifying sights (80%). 3) 48% of the respondents took part in such an event more than once. 4) Most frequent reactions were: body trembling (32%), and eyes filling with tears(18%).5)Emotions were expressed through the feeling of compassion (66%), and helplessness (50%). (Clin Exp Med Lett 2007; 48(1):23-28)

Keywords: post-traumatic stress disorder, doctors, Nurses



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