Panic disorder among 9/11 first responders and survivors
Nearly 20% of directly exposed individuals reported symptoms consistent with panic disorder in the months following the attacks. First responders and recovery workers experienced panic-related symptoms at 3 to 4 times the national average. Residents and workers in lower Manhattan also showed higher levels of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, related to ongoing exposure to reminders of the event.
These statistics show the impact of 9/11 on mental health. People directly and indirectly affected by the attack have experienced psychological effects. Those who suffer from it find it difficult to live a normal life.
Panic disorder is a psychological condition marked by repeated and unforeseen panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort, typically accompanied by:
- rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- shortness of breath or choking sensations
- sweating, trembling, or shaking
- feelings of detachment or unreality
- fear of losing control or dying
People with panic disorder often live in fear of future attacks and as a result, their lives are significantly disrupted. The condition can also affect one’s overall well-being and ability to function without treatment.
9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claims for panic disorder
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was established to compensate those who were injured as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and its aftermath. It was created by Congress shortly after the attack. It was reauthorized and expanded in the following years, which now includes the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 and the VCF Permanent Authorization Act of 2019.
The VCF covers physical and psychological conditions caused or made worse by the 9/11 events. This includes compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and emotional distress for survivors, first responders, and their families. If your panic disorder is a result of the 9/11 attack, you can file a claim with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) as long as you meet the general eligibility requirements.
