The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66730

C. W. Hoven, DrPH¹, C. S. Duarte, PhD¹, P. Wu, PhD¹, G. Musa¹, D.J. Mandell¹, V. Balaban, PhD², M. Nagasawa¹, and L. Hill¹. (1) Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 43, New York, NY 10032, 212-543-5688, hoven@child.cpmc.columbia.edu, (2) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30333

Background: An epidemiological study was conducted in New York City public schools six months post 9/11 under the auspices of the NYC Board of Education. A representative sample (N=8,236) of students, from the five boroughs of New York City, in grades 4 through 12, was selected. Objective: To determine the prevalence of probable mental disorders, assess the role of exposure to the WTC attacks and service utilization. Outcome Measures: Probable mental disorders: Posttraumatic Stress, Major Depression, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Panic, Alcohol Abuse/Dependence and Conduct Disorder. Results: Children who had higher levels of exposure to the attacks had higher rates of probable disorders, compared to those with lower levels of exposure, e.g., 18.4% of those significantly exposed presented probable PTSD, while the rate was 3.6% among those mildly exposed. Approximately 34% of children presenting with probable PTSD received some type of mental health care. This proportion is lower if children with any other (probable) internalizing or externalizing disorder are considered, and even lower for those with sub-clinical problems. Conclusions: The significant elevation of probable mental disorders among NYC is likely to be a consequence of the attacks, because rates were higher among those more severely exposed to the attacks. The observed pattern of service utilization may reflect concentration on providing services to children with obvious PTSD symptoms. Despite an elevated level of probable disorders, as well as increased service availability, a majority of children in need had not received mental health services 6 months after the WTC attacks.

Learning Objectives:

• Acknowledge the increase in child psychopathology in NYC after September 11 as well as the mental health service need derived from the event.

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.