A new self-assessment website has been launched to provide journalists and those who work them with a confidential tool to help them determine if they are suffering the effects of post traumatic stress. This unique web-based clinic and research facility has been designed by Dr Anthony Feinstein, the world's foremost authority on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in journalists, and is backed by CNN.
The online clinic at http://www.conflict-study.com/ is entirely independent, completely confidential and available to all media organizations and journalists around the world. The website provides a self-help resource for all news media professionals, even those who do not have access to a company-supported PTSD resource. One of the innovative aspects to this service is that journalists can use it while on assignment in zones of conflict.
"Research over the past six years has shown that journalists and media workers assigned front-line assignments may develop symptoms of distress due to the escalating dangers confronted," said Dr Feinstein.
Dr Feinstein is the author of Dangerous Lives: War and the Men and Women Who Report It (Thomas Allen, Toronto 2003). His new book, Journalists Under Fire: the Psychological Hazards of Covering War (John Hopkins University Press) has been published recently.
"This new website will enable us to provide immediate feedback to those who are searching for answers and guidance as well as to broaden our understanding of how journalists are responding emotionally to these challenges," he said.
The web-based programme will allow journalists to complete self assessments with respect to symptoms of post traumatic stress, depression, general psychological well-being and alcohol and substance use. Immediate feedback with the option of a printout will be given to all web users. This can then be used to facilitate access to a family doctor or an Employee Assistance Programme for therapy, if required. Future development of the site will include versions in different languages.
The self assessment includes the following topics:
- A Demographic Sheet
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- General Psychological well-being
- Trauma History
- Substance Abuse
"I am personally very pleased that CNN was able to facilitate the launch of this website, and that it is available to all media workers," said Chris Cramer, managing director of CNN International. "We operate in dangerous times and media companies need to be aware of the importance of PTSD as an area of staff welfare that needs to be addressed."
