Question

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the ensuing threats and fears of repeated attacks, North Americans are perhaps facing a different type of stressor today than ever before. What impact do such events have on children? Has the incidence of anxiety-related disorders risen? What types of anxiety disorders would you expect to see in children as a result of the terrorist attacks?

Answer 1

The terrorist attacts of September 11, 2001 created fear, anxiety, and panic among people. Various studies have been done on the after effects of terrorist attacks on people's psychological heath, it was found that many people experienced symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder such as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. Stress levels were seen to be elevated post terroist attacks, but normalized after six months or so. Those who lived closer to the terrorist attck area were more prone to anxiety and stress than those who lived far away. Children have shown to experience symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder after a terrist attack. But again children who lived close to the affected area were more impacted by it than who live far away.