Understanding the Prevalence of PTSD

Trauma affects a significant majority of the population, with estimates suggesting that around 70% of people experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. However, despite the high incidence of trauma, only a small percentage, approximately 7%, develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Factors such as gender also play a crucial role, with studies indicating that women are at a higher risk, experiencing PTSD rates two to three times that of men. This disparity highlights the complexity of trauma responses, where brief symptoms may manifest temporarily, or in some cases, symptoms can lead to different psychiatric disorders without fulfilling PTSD criteria.