Results of a Québec study on the Dawson College shooting presented in New York

Monday, July 6, 2009

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On June 30, a group of Québec researchers presented the preliminary results of a groundbreaking study on the psychological impact of the Dawson College shooting, in conjunction with the 31^st Congress of the International Academy of Law and Mental Health held from June 28 to July 4 at New York University.

Loupe

Left to right: Richard Filion, Director General of Dawson College; Robert Keating, Québec’s Delegate General in New York; Dr. Alain Lesage, researcher at the Fernand Séguin Research Centre (Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine Hospital) and professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal; and Dr. Warren Steiner, head of the psychiatry department at the McGill University Health Centre.

The study was the culmination of joint efforts by the Fernand Séguin Research Centre (affiliated with Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine Hospital) and the McGill University Health Centre. Based on a survey of 949 members of the Dawson College community, the study evaluated the effectiveness of the psychological support provided in the aftermath of the shootings on September 13, 2006.

According to the study, less than 2% of the Dawson College community were given a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis following the tragic incident, while 7% continue to report severe post-traumatic stress symptoms. Respondents who received psychological treatment reported a satisfaction rate of 80%.

Québec Government Office in New York provided the researchers with logistical and communications support during the Congress. In 2007, the Government of Québec announced its commitment to providing financial support for the study.

Fernand Séguin Research Centre (Louis H. Lafontaine Hospital)
McGill University Health Centre