Myocardial infarction and post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Studies concerning the development of a post-traumatic stress disorder related to severe illness are scarce. The confrontation with myocardial infarction may be a very stressful event. Twenty-three patients consecutively admitted for first myocardial infarction were studied. After two years 1 of 18 survivors had been suffering from a partial post-traumatic stress disorder. Similarities and differences in the psychological reactions following potential traumatic events are discussed.

Training the 'complete physician' for rural America: lessons from the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing

The article explores the experiences of Robert Bomengen, a family physician from rural Lake County, Oregon, in responding to a car bombing incident that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma. After the incident, Bomengen spoke to medical students and discussed its implications for physicians in rural U.S. According to him, the bombing incident reminds that physicians should focus on providing the best care for everyone. A description of how physicians responded to the incident is presented.

The psychological effects of disaster at sea

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In March 1987, the P&O car ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsized killing 193 passengers. Seventy-five survivors and relatives were referred by their solicitors to the authors for assessment of psychological injury.

METHOD:

Information was gathered retrospectively and systematically from clinical notes and legal reports.

RESULTS:

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