The Police Stress and Health Program

Posttraumatic Stress — Recognizing it

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Exposure to a critical incident that elicits emotional response of fear, helplessness, or horror

Exposure = experiencing, witnessing, or hearing about

Persistent reliving of the event (1 symptom)
Example: hearing a car backfire which could bring back memories of gunfire during warfare.

Persistent avoidance and numbing (3 symptoms)
Example: A person who survived a shark attack may avoid the beach.
Example: You may not be interested in activities that you used to enjoy.

Persistent feelings of hyperarousal (being "jittery" or "keyed up") (2 symptoms)
Example: Becoming angry or irritable over seemingly minor things.
Example: Having trouble concentrating or sleeping.

Duration of at least 1 month

Causes significant distress or impairment

Common Signs of Stress

Anxiety, feeling on edge, uncertainty

Hypervigilant or on constant lookout mode, jumpy, uptight, irritable, hyperalert

Consistent Findings in General Population

Over 50% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives

PTSD occurs in 25% of those who have experienced trauma

10% of women, 5% of men will develop PTSD

Most people recover from PTSD; 30% develop chronic and persistent symptoms

Risk factors for the Development of PTSD

General Population

Police Officers

Demographics: Female No gender differences

Childhood abuse or neglect Routine work stress is more important

History of anxiety or mood disorder Poor social support

Poor social support Panic and distress at time of incident

Lower educational and socioeconomic status

Stressful life events in prior year

Panic reaction at time of event (Peritraumatic Distress)

Altered perceptions at time of event
(Peritraumatic Dissociation)

Factors Promoting Resilience After a Stressful Event

Healthy decision-making skills

Supportive relationships

Good problem-solving skills

Good coping skills

Community supports

Positive work experience

Healthy diet, exercise