Post-traumatic stress risk for survivors

John von Radowitz

Some victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York are still struggling to lead normal lives.

The same fate could be in store for people caught up in Thursday's blitz on three tube trains and a London bus, said Professor Cary Cooper from the University of Lancaster.

In weeks, months and possibly even years to come, they were likely to be shaken by the effects of post-traumatic stress.

Some would experience shocking flashbacks images imprinted on the memory from just before or just after the event that can materialise without warning. Their nights could be haunted by terrible dreams, and their personalities might change.

Extroverts may become withdrawn, natural jokers humourless, and placid individuals short-tempered and aggressive.

But Prof Cooper, who was born in Los Angeles, was full of praise for the resilience and spirit shown by Londoners and believed they would be able to cope better than most.

People both directly and indirectly affected by the blasts could experience the psychological fallout, he said.

"What we have right now is the immediate physical and emotional trauma of the incident," said Prof Cooper.

"For those involved it's sort of like what happens after a death in the family. You deal with the physical trauma and immediate shock in the same way as, after a sudden death, you sort out funeral arrangements and other practical things. But then further down the line the psychological injury shows itself.

"It's hardwired into your system. You've buried it, but something will trigger it off. It could be seeing a London bus, going back to work in the rush hour, or spotting something you've associated with the event."

Partners, friends, relatives and employers should be on the look out for warning signs, he said. It was vital not to avoid the horrible memories, but to get them out in the open.

"It's very important to talk about it, because a lot of this stuff is buried," said Prof Cooper. "People who seek people to talk to will be okay. Others may need counselling."