Estimates suggest that up to 70 percent of American adults have
experienced at least one significant trauma during their
lifetimes. Many of those people may subsequently have suffered
from an emotional reaction known as posttraumatic stress
disorder or PTSD. Further estimates suggest that 5 percent of
the population currently lives with PTSD. What Is PTSD?
Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in some cases when people
are exposed to a very stressful event, which is known as an
extreme stress trigger. To be diagnosed with PTSD, they must
continue to experience symptoms of PTSD for at least one month
after exposure to this trigger. Who Experiences PTSD? Although
women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD, anyone who
experiences an extremely traumatic event may develop
posttraumatic stress disorder. Examples of extreme stress
triggers include: - Criminal assault or rape - Natural disasters
- Serious accidents - Combat exposure - Child physical or sexual
abuse or severe neglect - Witnessing traumatic events