Epidemiology

Reported lifetime prevalence of exposure to potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) varies considerably between countries and, within countries, between certain groups. Exposure to PTEs was reported by 24% of individuals in a German sample, 63.6% in a sample from 6 European countries, 75% in an Australian sample, and 80.7% in a sample from the Netherlands.[5][6][7][8] Higher frequency of exposure has been reported in inner cities and where natural disasters have occurred.[9][10] Certain groups are more likely to be exposed to PTEs: these include military personnel, emergency-service workers, police, and refugees.

Estimates of lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also vary between countries, with reports of 6.1% in the US, 2.9% in Germany, 1.9% across 6 European countries, and 7.4% in the Netherlands.[5][6][7][11][12]​​​​ The range of 12-month prevalence estimates reported is smaller: 4.7% in the US, 0.6% in South Africa, and 1.1% across 6 European countries.[5][12]​​[13][14]​​​​​ In the UK, although exposure to PTEs since the age of 16 was reported in only 33% of adults, current PTSD was reported in 3%.[15]

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