Statistics on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, has only recently gained official recognition as a diagnosable ailment. However, sources suggest this condition has existed for a long time. Also, it is much more common than people suspect and can happen to anyone, not just combat veterans.

PTSD in history

Primary sources from wars in the past reference conditions such as shell shock, battle fatigue and soldier's heart. Psychologists who examine the descriptions of these ailments believe they are all post traumatic stress disorder by a different name. PTSD did not start to receive real attention until after the Vietnam War and was not officially listed as a psychiatric illness until 1980.

How common is PTSD?

Recent research indicates that 7-8 percent of the United States population develops PTSD at some point in their lives. Certain populations are more at risk for the disorder than others. For instance, as many as 30 percent of rape victims may develop PTSD. Overall, African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans seem to develop PTSD at slightly higher rates than Caucasians. Over half of people exposed to a specific disaster, such as a major earthquake, are affected by PTSD, and nearly 100 percent of children who witnessed the violent abuse of a parent suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. Close to 10 percent of returning combat veterans exhibit symptoms of PTSD. No matter the population, twice as many women as men have PTSD.

There are many statistics about PTSD because researchers in the last 30 years have made an effort to understand the ailment and whom it affects. Anyone can suffer from PTSD, though certain populations are more prone to developing it.