Prognosis

Whereas most people who go through traumatic events experience a brief acute response to the stressful situation and never develop an enduring pathological reaction, a smaller proportion of people will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), either alone or complicated with comorbid disorders such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, or substance misuse.[30][33][35]​​[131][132]​​​​​

The transition from acute to long-term PTSD, and the disease course, are varied and influenced by risk and protective factors. For example, ongoing stress, the presence of mild traumatic brain injury, co-occurring psychopathology, the availability of treatment, social support, and effective coping strategies might influence recovery. Severity of exposure and loss of life and property might be associated with a long and complicated course of illness.[133][134][135][136]​​​

The average duration of symptoms, if treated, is 36 months, and the average duration of symptoms among those untreated is 64 months. Moreover, although almost 50% of people with PTSD experience a significant reduction in symptoms, more than one third of people never fully remit.[33][137]

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