PTSD Statistics and Facts

Facts at a Glance:

Some interesting facts about PTSD include:

• 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime
• 20% of people who experience a traumatic event will develop PTSD
• About 13 million people have PTSD in a given year
• 1 in 13 people will develop PTSD at some point in their life

Prevalence of PTSD

One of the most common questions surrounding this disorder is ‘how many people have PTSD? Statistics on the prevalence of PTSD in the United States vary depending on the specific group or population being studied. Overall, PTSD affects around 5% of the U.S. population, approximately 13 million Americans, in a given year.

PTSD in Adults

The symptoms of PTSD in adults are grouped by impairment level as serious, moderate or mild. It is estimated that 36.6% of adults experience serious impairment, 33.1% have a moderate impairment and 30.2% have mild impairment. While most statistics focus on PTSD in adults, all age groups can be affected. PTSD in youth does occur, though sometimes trauma experienced in childhood does not result in PTSD until after the brain has further developed in early adulthood.

PTSD Among Adolescents

While most available statistics measure the rates of PTSD in adults, the disorder can affect any age group. An estimated 5% of adolescents experience PTSD. Like adults, PTSD symptoms in adolescence can be ranked as seriously, moderately or mildly impairing. Studies on PTSD in teens have found that 1.5% experience severe impairment. PTSD in adolescents is more common in the later teen years; while the prevalence of PTSD for teens aged 13–14 is 3.7%, that number increases to 7% in the 17–18 age group.

PTSD in Women vs. Men

While the overall past year prevalence of PTSD in adults is estimated at 5%, the numbers indicate that PTSD is far more common in women than in men. The prevalence of PTSD in men is estimated at 4%, while PTSD symptoms affected 8% of adult women. Men have been found to experience more traumatic events during their lifetime than women, but PTSD symptoms in men are far less common than symptoms in women. The type of traumatic event may play a part: women are more likely to experience sexual assault and trauma than men.

PTSD and Domestic Violence

While PTSD may not always develop immediately following an episode of abuse,  the connection between PTSD and domestic violence is undeniable. The probability of domestic violence victims developing PTSD may be influenced by the severity and duration of violence, as well as the age the violence is experienced. The perceived level of threat from domestic violence — for example, whether or not someone feels their life is in danger — can also influence the development of PTSD. The intense emotional connection victims have with their domestic abuser is likely a large part of what makes domestic violence so traumatic.

PTSD in Veterans

Statistics on PTSD in veterans from many past wars are not available because the condition wasn’t officially recognized until the 1980s. Before being recognized as an official medical diagnosis, PTSD was referred to as “shell shock.” However, anecdotal reports of shell shock indicate that PTSD occurred in war veterans in the Civil War, World War I and World War II.

Most of the veteran PTSD data currently available are from recent wars, including Iraq and Afghanistan. PTSD statistics for the military signify that an estimated 29% of combat veterans from these wars developed PTSD. However, PTSD in soldiers does not occur exclusively as a result of combat. PTSD is one of the most common diagnoses in among those who experience sexual assault within the ranks.

Veteran Recovery Is Our Mission

The Recovery Village is an industry-leading treatment provider for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. 

• Experienced clinicians: Our clinicians are specially trained in trauma-informed care, military culture and treating veteran-specific addiction and mental health needs.
• Dual diagnosis: We treat addiction and mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety or depression simultaneously for a better recovery.  
• EMDR: A revolutionary treatment available at several facilities, EMDR therapy alleviates mental pain and emotional recession from trauma, which can lead to better outcomes for your addiction.
• FORTITUDE: Our specialty track for veterans and first responders at select facilities puts you in exclusive group therapy sessions with your peers. 

If you’re a veteran struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, our Veteran Advocates can help you navigate your VA health insurance and get you the help you need.

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PTSD and Co-Occurring Conditions

Many mental health disorders can co-occur with PTSD, possibly due, in part, to the significant changes in brain functioning following a traumatic event that leads to PTSD. Someone with PTSD may experience depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety or substance use disorders.

PTSD and Depression

Depression is a common mental health concern, with approximately 1 in 10 people having some form of depressive disorder each year. Depression is more common among people who experience traumatic events. PTSD and depression frequently co-occur, as people with PTSD are 3 to 5 times more likely to have a depressive disorder.

PTSD and Suicide

Experiencing a traumatic event can increase a person’s suicide risk. This relationship between PTSD and suicide may be due in part to other common co-occurring conditions such as depression. In general, people with PTSD who struggle to express their feelings have a higher risk of suicide.

PTSD and Trauma

Trauma and PTSD are interconnected due to the disruptions and changes in brain chemistry caused by trauma. Most people first think of military combat as the primary cause of PTSD, but this condition may occur in response to other traumas, including sexual abuse.

However, other traumatic events may occur in a person’s life that can lead to PTSD:

• 49% of rape victims will develop PTSD
• Nearly 32% of victims of severe physical assault develop PTSD
• 16.8% of people who are involved in serious accidents, such as car or train accidents, develop PTSD
• 15.4% of shooting and stabbing victims develop PTSD
• 14.3% of people who suddenly and unexpectedly experience the death of a close loved one develop PTSD
• Parents of children with life-threatening illnesses develop PTSD 10.4% of the time
• Witnessing the murder or serious injury or another person causes PTSD in 7.3% of people
• 3.8% of people who experience natural disasters develop PTSD

PTSD and Anxiety

Though now considered a separate type of disorder, PTSD was previously categorized as an anxiety disorder. This association was made because PTSD and anxiety disorders share some symptoms, many of which can be impairing sleep and other essential biological functions. Someone with PTSD-related anxiety may also constantly feel on edge and be easily startled. Additionally, anxiety caused by PTSD can make it difficult to concentrate or increase agitation.

PTSD and Substance Abuse

PTSD and substance abuse often co-occur. One study estimates that 46.4% of people with PTSD also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. PTSD and alcohol use disorders may be even more closely related due to the legality of alcohol, which makes it more easily accessible than other substances. A study found that women with PTSD were 2.48 times more likely to abuse alcohol, while men with PTSD were 2.06 times more likely.

PTSD Prognosis

PTSD prognosis has improved in recent years as researchers and medical professionals have found increasingly effective treatments. The long-term prognosis for PTSD is good, and treatment frequently eliminates or reduces symptoms.

Data on PTSD prognosis demonstrates the importance of seeking treatment. People with PTSD who sought treatment had symptoms lasting an average of 36 months, while those who did not seek treatment had symptoms lasting an average of 64 months. While approximately one-third of people do not achieve full symptom elimination with treatment, most individuals experience a significant reduction in the intensity of their symptoms.

Prognosis may be improved by:

• Prompt treatment engagement
• Social support
• Avoided re-traumatization
• High level of functioning before the onset of PTSD
• Absence of other mental health conditions

Statistics on PTSD Treatment and Outlook

PTSD treatment is becoming increasingly available, and PTSD treatment statistics indicate a positive outlook for treatment. One study found that as many as 46% of people with PTSD improved within six weeks of beginning psychotherapy. Researchers have found that as many as 62% of people receiving medication for PTSD show improvement. The VA recognizes the need for PTSD treatment for veterans, and PTSD treatment is now available at all VA locations. There are also nearly 200 VA locations with specialized PTSD programs.

Veteran Support at The Recovery Village

If you or your loved one is struggling with PTSD or another mental health concern in addition to a substance use disorder, contact The Recovery Village today to learn more about our evidence-based treatment programs available at facilities across the country. We are proud members of the VA Community Care Network, offering private substance abuse treatment to veterans with VA health insurance, including:

• FORTITUDE specialty track: join fellow veterans and first responders in exclusive group therapy sessions with your peers.
• Trauma-informed care: Our experienced clinicians are trained in trauma-informed care and treating the veteran population. 
• EMDR: Many of our facilities offer EMDR, a revolutionary therapy to alleviate mental pain associated with trauma. 
• Dual diagnosis: we can treat your addiction and mental health needs at the same time for better outcomes.
• Full continuum of care: includes medical detox, inpatient, PHP,  IOP and outpatient rehab levels so you always receive the right amount of support as you recover.

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Editor – Melissa Carmona

Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Denise-Marie Griswold, LCAS

Denise-Marie Griswold is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. She earned her Master's Degree in Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling from East Carolina University in 2014. Read more