Case Report

Persistent Paranoid Delusions Following the September 11 Terrorist Attacks in a Man with No Pre-existing Mental Illness

Authors: Roy R. Reeves, DO, PHD, John J. Beddingfield, MD

Abstract

The effects of modern day terrorism on mental health are not well understood. Described here is a 51-year-old male with no pre-existing mental illness who developed paranoid delusions related to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks shortly after they occurred. After about two years of treatment with quetiapine the patient was no longer delusional about terrorism but experienced extensive paranoid delusions about commonly encountered persons, requiring treatment which continues to the current time. Clinicians should be aware of the possible impact of terrorist activities on the mental health of vulnerable individuals.


Key Points


* Acts of terrorism are particularly stressful because they lead to continuing uncertainty about when they will end and what continuing effects victims may yet encounter.


* The potential effects of modern day terrorist activities on mental health are poorly understood.


* Clinicians should be aware of the possible impact of terrorism on the mental health of vulnerable individuals.

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