“And yet there’s still this common idea that trauma is something discrete or limited to the time when the event happened. It’s almost as if we can only see it through a legal lens. Like something bad happened at some point in the past, where trauma is sort of contained, but especially when it comes to children, trauma isn’t like that at all. It affects everything else in life going forward. What we don’t get is that people are fundamentally changed by trauma. They’re changed biologically. They’re changed in terms of gene expression and hormones and chemicals and neurotransmission, and that goes on forever. My hope is that people’s notions of trauma catch up with scientific research.”

“I don’t ever want to diminish the impact of other traumas on people, but I think the sexual abuse of children is probably one of the most brutal things that can happen to a human…Even in more typical situations, it takes a child reporting sexual abuse eight times before they’re believed.”

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disoder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition. PTSD affects millions of people around the world. According to recent estimates, about 8 million adults in the United States alone have PTSD in any given year.

As high as these numbers are, these numbers may underestimate the true prevalence of PTSD. Many people may not seek treatment or be properly diagnosed. PTSD is commonly misdiagnosed as the symptoms that show up: depression, anxiety (including social anxiety), and substance abuse, just to name a few. 

In addition, certain groups, such as those who experience chronic trauma or live in high-conflict areas, may be at even higher risk for developing PTSD. Despite its prevalence, there is still much work to be done to increase awareness and provide effective treatment for those with this debilitating condition.

What is the #1 cause of PTSD?

The #1 cause of PTSD is experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma originates from many sources, such as the sudden or unexpected death of loved ones, sexual assault, physical violence, natural disasters, car accidents, or combat.

While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, the risk is significantly higher for those who have experienced multiple traumas or who have a family or personal history of mental health conditions.

It’s important to note that there is no “right” way to react to trauma and that seeking help is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. We MUST remove any stigma associated with seeking help to overcome the symptoms of PTSD. 

At what age is PTSD most common?

PTSD can affect people of all ages, but it is most common among adults. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Although about 5-6% of these individuals will develop PTSD in any given year, the impact of trauma can be cumulative. In other words, PTSD may show up in the years after one or more trauma experiences.  

While there is no age limit for developing PTSD, research suggests that it is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 18 to 45 years old. This may be because younger adults are more likely to experience trauma related to violence, accidents or natural disasters than older adults. Trauma that occurs in early childhood can be complicated to address, because, among other factors, the brain is still developing as the trauma experiences are happening. Therefore, children can also develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and early intervention can be critical for preventing long-term negative effects on their mental health.

We must acknowledge that we underestimate the true prevalence of PTSD, as many people may not seek treatment or be properly diagnosed. It’s important to raise awareness about this condition and encourage those who are struggling with its symptoms to seek help from a mental health professional or support group.

What percentage of the world has PTSD?

While estimates vary, it’s believed that PTSD affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.6% of the global population has experienced PTSD in the past year. This number is low, because reporting is not adequate on the global scale. 

This translates to over 250 million people worldwide affected by this condition. However, as stated previously, these numbers may not accurately reflect the true prevalence of PTSD because so many cases go undiagnosed or untreated. Whether due to stigma, lack of access to mental health resources, ignorance, oppressive cultures or other issues, PTSD is prevalent throughout the world.

Who Suffers from PTSD the Most?

While PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, certain groups may be at higher risk for developing this condition.

For instance, research suggests that individuals who have experienced multiple traumas or who have a history of mental health conditions may be more susceptible to PTSD. Additionally, some studies have found that women and minorities are more likely to develop PTSD than other groups.

Women are particularly vulnerable to experiencing sexual assault and domestic violence, which can lead to PTSD. In fact, according to the National Center for PTSD, women are twice as likely as men to develop this condition in their lifetimes.

Similarly, minorities such as African Americans and Hispanics are more likely than white Americans to experience trauma and develop PTSD.

It’s important to note that these higher rates of PTSD among certain groups may be due in part to systemic inequalities and discrimination that contribute to increased exposure to trauma and limited access to mental health resources.

Addressing these structural issues is crucial for reducing the incidence of PTSD and improving outcomes for those affected by this condition.

In conclusion, PTSD is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. Understanding the prevalence, impact, and treatment of PTSD is essential for promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support for those who are affected.

For more information: 

1. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
3. https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/civil/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-2022