There was a contradictory and confusing article in The Guardian yesterday about the psychological after-effects on the survivors of the London bombings. We are encouraged to provide support but Dr Reddy tells us that counselling is probably not necessary as:
"...less than 5% of survivors and witnesses of the tube and bus bombings were likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)."
While on the other hand Dr Thompson says,
"...one would predict that 40% will find their reactions haven't returned to normal in the next few weeks."
In which case:
"They will probably feel anxious, depressed, suffer nightmares or flashbacks and generally be much more fearful - making it very difficult to carry on with the normal things in life."
And the article finishes with the information that:
"Dr Stephen Joseph, reader in health psychology at the University of Warwick, sounded a positive note for the longer-term. The psychologist said between 30 and 70% of survivors of traumatic events reported positive after-effects."
Well that's all alright then isn't it? I may have just witnessed a horrific bomb blast but at least there's a fair chance that my life will improve over the long-term.
The GuardianMore on London bombings: Profile of a Terrorist, Why We Are Glued To The TV and The Psychology of Terrorism
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