Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Firefighters

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2008;51(12):1103-1110

Publication date (electronic) : 2008 January 10

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2008.51.12.1103

Young-Ki Chung, MD , Shin Young Kim, MD , Sun Mi Cho, PhD

Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University College of Medicine E – mail: ykchung@ajou.ac.kr

Abstract

Firefighters are much more likely to be exposed to traumatic events and consequently experience traumatic stress due to the nature of their job. Moreover, firefighters are at an increased risk of repeated exposures to traumatic events. Repeated exposures to traumatic events in firefighters lead to a greater likelihood of suffering from traumatic stress-related mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous studies from several countries have consistently reported higher prevalence rates of PTSD among firefighters. In addition to subjective suffering, PTSD is known to have adverse effects on social, occupational, and familial functionings in patients with PTSD. In the present paper, the authors reviewed the prevalence rates and adverse effects of PTSD on their lives among firefighters. We also present the review on factors affecting the occurrence of PTSD with brief description on how to prevent PTSD in firefighters.

Keywords: Posttraumatic stress disorder; Firefighter; Traumatic event; Traumatic stress

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