Impact of co-morbid depression on PTSD severity in Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Employees

Workplace trauma has significant adverse effects on the individual and the employers. The majority of people exposed to a traumatic event will recover and not suffer from further difficulties, but 8 – 12% will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. In this study, two groups of Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) employees will be compared: those with PTSD diagnosis and a group with PTSD and depression diagnosis. The primary outcome of the study is the severity of PTSD symptoms.

Moreover, the structured clinical interviews will explore potential variables and confounders that might be relevant to this study. Overall, this study will help to demonstrate the relationship between PTSD and depression in TTC population.

The TTC will benefit through the disclosure of association between PTSD and depression aimed specifically at their employees. This valuable information will eventually assist in formulating future guidelines for treatment strategy; thereby significantly reducing personal burden and economic cost to employers. Similarly, Sun life assurance will benefit by knowledge translation for long term disability management.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Paul S. Links

Student:

Ravi Raj Shah

Partner:

Toronto Transit Commission

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Finance, insurance and business

University:

University of Toronto