Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry (생물정신의학)

The Korean Society of Biological Psychiatry (대한생물정신의학회)
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Firefighters and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

소방공무원과 외상 후 스트레스 장애

  • Ryu, Jia (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Ha, Eunhee (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Jeong-Choi, Kyunghee (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Kim, Jieun E. (Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Park, Shinwon (Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Kim, Hyunjoo (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital)
  • 류지아 (이화여자대학교 직업환경의학교실) ;
  • 하은희 (이화여자대학교 직업환경의학교실) ;
  • 정최경희 (이화여자대학교 직업환경의학교실) ;
  • 김지은 (이화여자대학교 뇌융합과학연구원) ;
  • 박신원 (이화여자대학교 뇌융합과학연구원) ;
  • 김현주 (이화여자대학교 이대목동병원 직업환경의학과)
  • Received : 2016.10.06
  • Accepted : 2016.11.15
  • Published : 2017.02.28
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Abstract

Occupational hazards of firefighting and rescue works include frequent exposure to emergencies and life-threatening situations. These stressful work conditions of being constantly under pressure and exposed to potentially traumatic events put them at higher risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to the general population. PTSD is a potentially debilitating mental disorder, due to persistent intrusive thoughts, negative alterations of mood and cognition, hypervigilance, avoidance of similar situations and reminders, and re-experiences of the traumatic event. Previous studies have shown a relatively high prevalence of PTSD among firefighters, indicating the need for a systematic approach of early detection and prevention. Therefore, a critical review of the current literature on PTSD in firefighters would provide valuable insights into developing effective prevention and intervention programs. Literature indicated that there are risk factors of PTSD in firefighters, such as pre-existing depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, occupational stress, physical symptoms, and binge drinking, whereas social support and adequate rewards are protective factors. Although there are differences in the prevalence of PTSD across studies, partly due to various assessment tools utilized, different sample sizes, and sample characteristics, over one tenth of the firefighters were estimated to have PTSD. The current review warrants further investigations to precisely assess PTSD and co-morbid mental disorders, functional outcomes, and associated factors, and to develop evidence-based preventive and interventional programs to help firefighters with PTSD.

Keywords

References

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