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PTSD rates depend on type of trauma and it's duration
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is unique in medicine being a normal reaction of suffering experienced by anyone, anywhere. The Spanish proverb, "Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente. Eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel.", says it best. External sensory perceptions, especially visual but also including sound, smell, taste, touch, are heightened when that particular event is full of emotion. Emotion is the recording button in the brain, making sure that the memory we form of that event will be remembered well. Otherwise it would get lost in the myriad of neural connections controlling both our conscious and unconscious data base of those experiences we call life.
Robert Roerich
Prevalence of PTSD in General Population
1. Results range from 1% to 14%. The Epidemiological Catchment Area Study showed lifetime PTSD rates of around 1.3% at two sites. More subjects reported sub-clinical symptoms following a trauma, around 15%.
2. A survey of 1,007 young adults in an HMO in Detroit showed that 39% were exposed to a traumatic event, 23.6% of those subjects developed PTSD, leading to a lifetime prevalence of 9.2%, 6.0% for males and 11.3% for females.
B. Prevalence of PTSD Following Specific Traumas
1. The rates of PTSD following natural disasters vary. Following the volcano eruption of Mt. St. Helen, a population sample of those exposed showed lifetime prevalence of PTSD of 3.6% compared to 2.6% in controls. Following a dam break and subsequent flood at Buffalo Creek, researchers found a 59% lifetime prevalence of PTSD, 25% still met criteria at 14-year follow-up.
2. For war veterans, rates can vary according to traumatic exposure. Overall, lifetime PTSD rates for Vietnam veterans is 15%. Those exposed to median levels of combat showed rates of 28% compared to 65% among those exposed to the highest levels of combat. For political prisoners and prisoners of war, rates can range from 30% to more than 70%. For torture victims, rates can be as high as 90%.
3. Among individuals who suffer a violent assault, there is a 20% rate of PTSD. Victims of rape have been found to have rates of PTSD near 50% in some studies. Witnessing a person being killed or seriously injured confers a risk of 7%.
4. Following a traffic accident, 10 to 30% still have PTSD 6 to 18 months following the accident.
5. In a group of individuals who experienced a sudden, unexpected death of a close friend or relative, 14% developed PTSD.
Reference: http://www.medical-library.org/journals4a/trauma.htm
I came across this and am sharing with you.
PTSD rates depend on type of trauma and it's duration
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is unique in medicine being a normal reaction of suffering experienced by anyone, anywhere. The Spanish proverb, "Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente. Eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel.", says it best. External sensory perceptions, especially visual but also including sound, smell, taste, touch, are heightened when that particular event is full of emotion. Emotion is the recording button in the brain, making sure that the memory we form of that event will be remembered well. Otherwise it would get lost in the myriad of neural connections controlling both our conscious and unconscious data base of those experiences we call life.
Robert Roerich
Prevalence of PTSD in General Population
1. Results range from 1% to 14%. The Epidemiological Catchment Area Study showed lifetime PTSD rates of around 1.3% at two sites. More subjects reported sub-clinical symptoms following a trauma, around 15%.
2. A survey of 1,007 young adults in an HMO in Detroit showed that 39% were exposed to a traumatic event, 23.6% of those subjects developed PTSD, leading to a lifetime prevalence of 9.2%, 6.0% for males and 11.3% for females.
B. Prevalence of PTSD Following Specific Traumas
1. The rates of PTSD following natural disasters vary. Following the volcano eruption of Mt. St. Helen, a population sample of those exposed showed lifetime prevalence of PTSD of 3.6% compared to 2.6% in controls. Following a dam break and subsequent flood at Buffalo Creek, researchers found a 59% lifetime prevalence of PTSD, 25% still met criteria at 14-year follow-up.
2. For war veterans, rates can vary according to traumatic exposure. Overall, lifetime PTSD rates for Vietnam veterans is 15%. Those exposed to median levels of combat showed rates of 28% compared to 65% among those exposed to the highest levels of combat. For political prisoners and prisoners of war, rates can range from 30% to more than 70%. For torture victims, rates can be as high as 90%.
3. Among individuals who suffer a violent assault, there is a 20% rate of PTSD. Victims of rape have been found to have rates of PTSD near 50% in some studies. Witnessing a person being killed or seriously injured confers a risk of 7%.
4. Following a traffic accident, 10 to 30% still have PTSD 6 to 18 months following the accident.
5. In a group of individuals who experienced a sudden, unexpected death of a close friend or relative, 14% developed PTSD.
Reference: http://www.medical-library.org/journals4a/trauma.htm