20 May 2005

UU researchers to probe NI traumas

Psychologists at the University of Ulster are helping the Omagh-based Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation (NICTT) to build a clearer picture of the incidence and prevalence of symptoms and effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Researchers at the university's School of Psychology are to conduct an in-depth study of PTSD, funded by a £100,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to the NICTT, which will probe how individuals across Northern Ireland have been traumatically affected by civil conflict and violence.

The results will enable health professionals to provide the best help and treatment to people who have been affected by violence.

“We are already involved in a detailed study into all aspects of mental health, as part of a World Mental Health Organisation programme which is being conducted in some 28 countries, “ said Professor Brendan Bunting, of the School of Psychology at the Magee campus.

“Through our association with the NICTT, this grant will further enable us to go back over much of the data that we are collecting among 5,000 interviewees in Northern Ireland. We will be re-analysing it, so as to look specifically at the issues involved in PTSD and then we will be going back to interview participants.

Around 3,700 people have been killed and 55,000 injured in some 35 years of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

(MB/SP)