Updated Clinical Guidelines Help Doctors Better Recognize and Treat 9/11-Related Conditions
June 19, 2008

The Health Department recently released updated clinical guidelines for health care providers on how to treat adults exposed to the WTC disaster. The guidelines were written and reviewed in collaboration with external medical experts and other clinical advisors. Drafts were also shared with the WTC Health Registry's labor and community advisory committees for input.

The guidelines incorporate the latest available published information on physical and mental health effects, such as updated recommendations for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. They also include information on free diagnostic and treatment services for 9/11 health conditions at the WTC Centers of Excellence.

The guidelines are being mailed out to doctors and other providers citywide, including those treating people enrolled in the NYC 9/11 Benefit Program for Mental Health and Substance Use Services. They will also be posted on state and federal web sites for use by providers outside the city.