TABLE 1. Distinct Symptomology as well as Overlapping Symptomology Associated With Terrorism and Grief Issues

Grief symptomology

Terrorism symptomology


–Retelling the story of the trauma –Retelling the story of the loss
–Somatic reactions such as palpitations, choking feeling, sighing respiration, deep inner pain (Raphael, 1983) –Somatic reactions such as palpitations, choking feeling, sighing respiration, deep inner pain (Raphael, 1983)
–Vulnerability to illness (Nader & Fairbank, 1994) –Vulnerability to illness (Nader & Fairbank, 1994)
–Numbing and avoiding (Raphael, 1983) –Numbing and avoiding (Raphael, 1983)
–Diminished interest in activities and reduced ability to enjoy activities (APA, 1994; Pynoos & Nader, 1988 –Diminished interest in activities and reduced ability to enjoy activities (APA, 1994; Pynoos & Nader, 1988)
–A time of reminiscing about the deceased, as a way to remember (Nader & Pynoos, 1993a, 1993b) –Avoidance of reminiscing to avoid remembering the trauma (Nader & Pynoos, 1993a, 1993b)
–Sadness –Sadness
–Impaired concentration –Impaired concentration
–Anger and irritability (Krupnick, 1984) –Anger and irritability (Krupnick, 1984)
–Sleep disturbances (Richters & Martinez, 1991; Rosen, 1986) –Sleep disturbances (Richters & Martinez, 1991; Rosen, 1986)
–Intrusive images, crying, disbelief, emotional numbness, fatigue, disorganization, anxiety, despair (Jacobs, 1993) –Intrusive images, crying, disbelief, emotional numbness, fatigue, disorganization, anxiety, despair (Jacobs, 1993)


–Fear, irritability, sense of suspended reality, anxiety, horror, fear, aggression, and often guilt—survivor guilt (Jacobs, 1993)

Note. APA = American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.).