Acute Stress Symptoms in the general population of Madrid in the second week after the March 11, 2004, terrorist attack

The aim of this work is to identify acute stress symptoms and general functioning problems in the population of the affected zones after the March 11, 2004, terrorist attack. 1,179 adults (≥18 years) were assessed in the second week after the terrorist attack (from March 18 to 24). One-third of the people included in this sample are working or living in the most direct affected zone. Data show high percentages of acute stress symptoms (46,7%), and the 18,1% of the population had general functioning problems. The 12,8% presented functioning problems during 2 or more days that interfered, at least moderately, with daily life activity. Results are discussed in terms of planning services adjusted to population identified needs.