Sept 11 and our health and post traumatic stress disorder. template.aspap=43&page=newsDetail&id=505283

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(Excerpt) http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=43 & page=newsDetail & id=505283 The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 ushered in a new era of health concerns as the United States began struggling with its first collective case of post traumatic stress disorder. Following the devastating assaults on the World Trade Center in New York City, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., health experts reported sharp increases in sleep disorders, mood swings, anxiety and panic attacks, eating disorders, memory and concentration difficulties, and other signs of extreme stress. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers reported a 12 percent increase in those seeking treatment. New Yorkers faced additional health threats from the fires that continued to burn for almost three months following the attack. The "WTC Cough" became a local health phenomenon as everyone from rescue workers to those living and working near "Ground Zero" became susceptible to chemical debris that continues to permeate the air of lower Manhattan.