The Epidemiology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

<p>Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent and has substantial economic and social consequences. In this article, we review the epidemiology of PTSD. We begin by summarizing the evidence about the prevalence and correlates of traumatic event exposure. Next, we discuss the prevalence of PTSD, the conditional probability of PTSD given specific traumatic event exposure, the correlates, and demographic distribution of PTSD, and the trajectory of PTSD over the life course. Lastly, we discuss the consequences of PTSD and the challenges facing this field of research today.</p> <H4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</H4> <P>Jennifer Johnson, MPH, is with the Center for Global Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Andrea Maxwell, BS, is with the School of Medicine, University of Michigan. Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH, is with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, the Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, and the Center for Global Health, the University of Michigan. </P><P>Address correspondence to: Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH, Department of Epidemiology, 109 Observatory St., Room 3633, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029; fax 734.763.5706; or e-mail <A HREF="mailto:sgalea@umich.edu">sgalea@umich.edu</A>. </P><P>Ms. Johnson; Ms. Maxwell; and Dr. Galea have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. </P><P>doi: 10.3928/00485713-20090514-01</P> <H4>EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES</H4> <P><OL><LI>Identify the prevalence of traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their correlates in the general population and in special populations.</LI> </P><P><LI> Review research on the trajectory of PTSD.</LI> </P><P><LI>Discuss the challenges associated with PTSD research today.</LI></ol></p>