Healthcare provision and the psychological, somatic and social impact on people involved in the terror attacks in January 2015 in Paris: Cohort study

Abstract

Background: Terrorist attacks occurred in Paris in January 2015. Aims: To assess the mental health impact and the access to psychomedical care of people exposed to the attacks. Method: We implemented an open-cohort design 6 and 18 months after the attacks. Exposed civilians and rescue workers were included according to the exposure criteria A for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in DSM-5. A face-to-face questionnaire conducted by trained psychologists was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics, exposure level, scores on psychometric scales, an international neuropsychiatric interview and access to care. Results: Six months after the attacks, 18% of civilians reported symptoms of PTSD, 31% had anxiety disorders and 11% depression. Among rescue workers, 3% reported symptoms of PTSD and 14% anxiety disorders. During the 48 h following the attacks, 53.2% of civilian had access to psychomedical care v. 35% of rescue and police staff. Conclusions: We found severe psychological consequences, even in people who were less exposed.