Est. 70,000 sufferers of Post-9/11 stress disorder

September 11, 3:44 PMHealth Care ExaminerChristine Whitmarsh

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The New York City Department of Health estimates that up to 70,000 people may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder directly related to the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

The group, which includes rescue and recovery workers, lower Manhattan residents, area workers, commuters and passers-by, is part of the World Trade Center Health Registry. The registry is comprised of people who volunteered to answers questions and provide information about their health for up to 20 years after the September 11th attacks.

New York City is offering free physical and mental healthcare to eligible individuals affected by the terrorist attacks.

Warning Signs of PTSD from www.webmd.com:

1. Someone who has experienced severe trauma -- war, combat, natural disaster, physical or sexual abuse -- or witnessed violence, such as murder or physical abuse, may display one or more of these symptoms:
2. Repeated flashbacks or recurrent dreams of the event. Children may not remember the whole event, but may be haunted by a single image. They may express their fear by repeatedly playacting an event or action.
3. Hypervigilance -- a preoccupation with possible unknown threats.
4. Frightening or disturbing dreams.
5. Trouble sleeping.
6. Outbursts of anger.
7. Intense distress if exposed to anything resembling the event.
8. Efforts to avoid any people or activities that may arouse recollection of the trauma.
9. Psychological numbing.
10. Inability to relate to others.
11. Chronic physical symptoms such as pain, headaches. or irritable bowels.
12. In young children: agitated behavior, difficulty concentrating, or developmental regression in such things as toilet training or speech.
13. No sense of a future; no expectation of having a family, of having a career, or of living to old age.

Here are some resources to contact if you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder:

First and foremost, contact your doctor or a mental health professional

Specifically for Military Veterans and their families:
PTSD Information Line at (802) 296-6300

Finding a Therapist:
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_finding_a_therapist.html