Ten Years After 9/11: What Have We (Not Yet) Learned?

The approaching tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States could also have an impact on children. In a study involving a highly representative sample of 8000 children attending grades 4 to 12 in New York City Public Schools conducted 6 months after September 11, 2001, 1 of every 4 children (27%) met criteria for at least one of the probable psychiatric disorders assessed in the study (and also reported problems in their day-today functioning). Approximately 1 of 10 children reported symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (11%), major depressive disorder (8%), separation anxiety disorder (12%), and panic attacks (9%). Yet, two-thirds of children who reported symptoms consistent with probable PTSD and self-reported impairments in daily functioning also reported that they had not sought any mental health services. The commentary by David Schonfeld serves as a reminder that all professionals who work with children should be able to provide support to children coping with trauma and loss, including the death of a loved one.