70 PTSD Statistics & Facts: How Common Is PTSD?

PTSD Statistics & Facts

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal.

PTSD affects millions of people worldwide, and its impact can be significant.

• Approximately 7-8% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
• Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.
• Among U.S. military veterans, the estimated prevalence of PTSD is around 10-20%.
• PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, or accidents.
• Childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for developing PTSD later in life.
• The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in individuals who have experienced sexual assault is around 50%.
• PTSD can also affect individuals who have not directly experienced a traumatic event but have been exposed to it indirectly, such as through media coverage or witnessing it happening to others.
• An estimated 50-70% of people who have survived a mass shooting will develop PTSD.
• Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and negative changes in mood and cognition.
• The average delay between experiencing a traumatic event and seeking treatment for PTSD is approximately 12 years.
• Veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have higher rates of PTSD compared to veterans of previous conflicts.
• Approximately 30% of individuals who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD.
• PTSD is associated with increased risk for other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.
• People with PTSD have higher rates of physical health problems, including chronic pain, cardiovascular issues, and autoimmune disorders.
• About 20-30% of first responders, such as firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, develop PTSD at some point in their careers.
• Individuals with a history of childhood abuse or neglect are at higher risk for developing PTSD in adulthood.
• PTSD can significantly impair a person's social and occupational functioning.
• Around 50-60% of people with PTSD also experience comorbid sleep disorders.
• Individuals with PTSD are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
• The risk of developing PTSD increases with the severity and duration of the traumatic event.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. These include a history of mental health conditions, experiencing multiple or prolonged traumatic events, lack of social support, and a family history of mental illness.

PTSD & Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics

Additionally, individuals who experience intense emotional or physical reactions during and after the traumatic event may be more likely to develop PTSD.

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common co-occurring condition with PTSD, particularly among military personnel.
• Rates of PTSD are higher in low-income communities and areas with high rates of violence and crime.
• Effective treatments for PTSD include trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication options such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• The prevalence of PTSD varies across different cultural and ethnic groups.
• Approximately 50% of individuals with PTSD also meet the criteria for at least one other psychiatric disorder.
• Childhood trauma increases the risk of developing multiple mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
• The estimated lifetime prevalence of PTSD in refugees and asylum seekers is around 10-40%.
• PTSD symptoms can fluctuate over time, with some individuals experiencing periods of remission and relapse.
• Long-term PTSD can lead to changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas associated with memory, emotion regulation, and the stress response.
• Veterans with PTSD are more likely to have difficulties maintaining employment and face higher rates of unemployment.
• Individuals with PTSD have higher healthcare utilization and healthcare costs compared to those without the disorder.
• The prevalence of PTSD among survivors of domestic violence ranges from 31-84%.
• Children and adolescents can also develop PTSD, with rates varying depending on the type and severity of trauma experienced.
• The risk of developing PTSD is higher for individuals who have experienced multiple traumas.
• Trauma-focused therapies have been shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents.
• Veterans with PTSD have a higher risk of being involved in legal issues, including criminal behavior.
• African Americans and Hispanic Americans with PTSD are less likely to receive appropriate mental health treatment compared to non-Hispanic whites.
• Substance abuse is a common co-occurring condition with PTSD, with individuals often using substances as a coping mechanism.
• The estimated prevalence of PTSD among survivors of natural disasters ranges from 4-30%.
• Family support and social connectedness are protective factors that can help individuals recover from PTSD.

PTSD can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, including their ability to work, maintain relationships, and participate in daily activities. Individuals with PTSD may experience difficulties with sleep, concentration, and mood regulation, which can further impact their overall well-being.

PTSD & Co-Occurring Disorders Statistics

Additionally, PTSD can increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions, such as depression and substance use disorders.

• PTSD is associated with impaired memory and difficulties with attention and concentration.
• Among individuals diagnosed with PTSD, approximately 80% have at least one comorbid mental health disorder.
• Mental health stigma can discourage individuals from seeking help for PTSD, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
• PTSD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
• The prevalence of PTSD is higher among individuals who have been incarcerated compared to the general population.
• Veterans with PTSD are at higher risk for experiencing relationship difficulties, including marital problems and divorce.
• Sleep disturbances in individuals with PTSD can contribute to daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive functioning, and decreased quality of life.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly correlated with the development of PTSD in adulthood.
• Approximately 60-80% of individuals with PTSD also meet criteria for at least one anxiety disorder.
• Military sexual trauma (MST) is a significant risk factor for developing PTSD among service members, particularly women.
• The prevalence of PTSD among survivors of motor vehicle accidents is around 10-40%.
• People with PTSD are at higher risk for engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or reckless behaviors.
• Chronic pain conditions are more prevalent among individuals with PTSD compared to the general population.
• The estimated prevalence of PTSD in emergency medical service (EMS) personnel is around 20-25%.
• Individuals with PTSD are more likely to experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships and have lower social support.
• Rates of PTSD among individuals who have experienced workplace violence or occupational trauma vary depending on the industry.
• Veterans with PTSD often experience challenges in reintegrating into civilian life, including finding employment and stable housing.
• Children and adolescents with PTSD may exhibit academic difficulties, behavioral problems, and impaired social functioning.
• Military personnel exposed to combat trauma have higher rates of PTSD compared to those exposed to non-combat trauma.
• The societal and economic burden of PTSD is significant, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and decreased quality of life for affected individuals and their families.

PTSD Prevalence By State

• Alabama | 6.7
• Alaska | 9.9
• Arizona | 6.4
• Arkansas | 5.0
• California | 5.7
• Colorado | 6.1
• Connecticut | 4.6
• Delaware | 4.9
• District of Columbia | 7.5
• Florida | 5.3
• Georgia | 6.0
• Hawaii | 3.8
• Idaho | 6.8
• Illinois | 4.6
• Indiana | 5.3
• Iowa | 5.2
• Kansas | 4.9
• Kentucky | 5.2
• Louisiana | 6.0
• Maine | 4.7
• Maryland | 5.1
• Massachusetts | 3.9
• Michigan | 5.0
• Minnesota | 4.8
• Mississippi | 7.5
• Missouri | 5.9
• Montana | 8.1
• Nebraska | 6.2
• Nevada | 6.2
• New Hampshire | 4.2
• New Jersey | 4.4
• New Mexico | 8.8
• New York | 4.6
• North Carolina | 5.7
• North Dakota | 7.0
• Ohio | 5.0
• Oklahoma | 6.3
• Oregon | 5.1
• Pennsylvania | 5.7
• Rhode Island | 3.9
• South Carolina | 6.9
• South Dakota | 7.3
• Tennessee | 5.3
• Texas | 6.3
• Utah | 5.2
• Vermont | 4.2
• Virginia | 5.0
• Washington | 4.9
• West Virginia | 6.9
• Wisconsin | 4.9
• Wyoming | 8.3

Prevalence of PTSD in the General Population

• United States: The National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) estimated a lifetime prevalence of 6.8% for PTSD in the U.S. population. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2018 found a current (within the past year) prevalence of 3.6% for PTSD among adults in the U.S.

• Europe: Studies conducted in European countries have reported varying prevalence rates for PTSD. For example, a review of European studies published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology estimated the lifetime prevalence of PTSD to be around 4.4% in Europe.

• Australia: The Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found a lifetime prevalence of 7.2% for PTSD in Australia.

• Canada: The Canadian Community Health Survey estimated a lifetime prevalence of 9.2% for PTSD in Canada.

• Global Estimates: The World Mental Health Surveys, which covered multiple countries, estimated a lifetime prevalence of PTSD to be around 3.9% globally.

Percentage of individuals with PTSD seek Professional Treatment

• Studies have reported that approximately 40-60% of individuals with PTSD seek professional help.

• The Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that around 52% of individuals with PTSD symptoms sought professional help.

• Sweden found that 43% of individuals with PTSD sought treatment, while a study in the Netherlands reported that 32% sought help.

Summary

PTSD is a prevalent mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While the statistics related to PTSD can be concerning, it's important to remember that effective treatments are available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it's essential to seek professional help as soon as possible to improve their chances of recovery. By increasing awareness and understanding of PTSD, we can work towards reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and providing better support for those affected.

References

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
4. https://www.cohenveteransbioscience.org/resource/about-brain-trauma/
5. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd