PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a stress and anxiety disorder which is caused by being involved or subjected to a traumatic event. What separates PTSD from other psychological disorders is that even after long periods of time, suffers of PTSD feel as if the event happened very recently, often with frequent and vivid flashbacks resulting in images constantly replaying the events in one’s mind (Coleman, 2007).
PTSD is an important issue which can affect investigators. Accident scenes can be horrific, and Accident Investigators are often required to be exposed to these unsightly scenes (Federal Aviation Administration, 2010). Another possible source of PTSD for accident investigators is the Interviewing of survivors and witnesses, which can carry severe emotional affects (SCSI, 2010). Though not necessarily instant, PTSD can have a substantial impact on Accident Investigators in the future which could hamper future investigations and their long-term mental health (Coleman, 2007)
References
- Coleman, P. (2007). Flashback: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide, and the Lessons of War . Beakon Press.
- SCSI. (2010). Aircraft Cabin Accident Investigation. USA: SCSI Southern California Safety Institute.
Want to know more?
Incident Stress : [http://aviationknowledge.wikidot.com/aviation:critical-incident-stress-management-cism]
Posttraumatic stress disorder : [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptsd]