A: Most people are familiar with the syndrome of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can follow a number of critical incidents, such as an officer-involved shooting. Symptoms may include intrusive re-experiencing of the event through persistent ruminating ("I just can't get it out of my mind"), overreaction to minor stimuli ("every time someone slams a car door, I jump"), numbing or withdrawal ("my mind goes blank"), physical reactions ("my guts won't stop churning"), or recurring dreams about the event or about other scary themes with high emotional content ("I relive the fear almost every night").

Actually, PTSD is formally diagnosed if the symptoms last beyond one month. Prior to that, in the immediate aftermath of a critical incident, most people experience some of the above symptoms, which collectively are referred to as acute stress disorder, or ASD.

What many people may not realize is that such reactions may occur and persist in other people besides the affected officer. The term vicarious traumatization describes this phenomenon, which is sometimes seen in family members, fellow officers, and even in some clinicians who treat these officers.
The key factors accounting for vicarious traumatization are empathy and identification. The more we care for somebody and/or feel that "there but for the grace of God go I," the more likely this reaction. Whole departments may be effected, especially if there is a contentious investigation or highly unfavorable media coverage. Spouses are commonly affected because they naturally care for their cop mate, and fear for their safety is a daily occupational hazard of being a law enforcement spouse. Children, too, may be affected, although they may be reluctant to report it.

In fact, a not uncommon pattern in families is for the spouse to essentially "absorb" the trauma, enabling the officer to continue to function. The spouse has the shakes, the insomnia, the headaches, and the nightmares, while the officer is able is use adaptive denial to keep soldiering on. This is not necessarily unhealthy, as long as it stays time-limited to the several-week period of post-incident adjustment. Most cases of ASD or PTSD resolve on their own within a few weeks or months.

When symptoms persist, however - either in the officer or his loved ones - it may be time to get professional help. If you're still having undiminished symptoms several months down the road, seek out a clinician with experience in law enforcement psychology. Invite your husband to become involved, but don't press the issue if he declines - remember: he may still need that protective bubble of insulation to keep going.

And finally, realize that this kind of reaction in the families of all personnel who work in critical occupations - police, firefighters, rescue crews, military, etc. - is normal and comes with the territory of being married to someone whose job involves risks in the service of others.

Laurence Miller, PhD is a clinical, forensic, and consulting psychologist in Boca Raton, Florida, and police psychologist for the West Palm Beach Police Department. Dr. Miller can be reached at (561) 392-8881, or online at:
www.practicalpsych.com