Traumatic eventa | No. of studies | Range of prevalence estimates | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Rape [56,57] | >50 | 14%–80% | Completed rape is associated with the greatest risk of PTSD. |
Man-made disaster [58] | 106 | 25%–75% | Studies with highest prevalence estimates were conducted on subjects exposed to 'extreme' trauma shortly after the event. |
ICU | 16 | 5%–63% | Prevalence rates are extremely high relative to other medical populations. |
Natural disaster [58] | 86 | 5%–60% | Most studies report rates in the lower half of the 5%–60% range. |
Political refugee experience [59] | 22 | 4%–44% | Prevalence rates may be affected by the use of tools possibly insensitive to cultural expressions of PTSD. |
Cancer survivors [60] | >100 | 1.9%–39% | Prevalence rates are quite controversial due to debate over status of cancer as a traumatic stressor. |
MVA survivors [61] | >100 | 7.6%–34% | Many MVA survivors have histories of prior trauma, thus PTSD symptoms may be pre-existing. |
MI survivors [62] | 4 | 0%–16% | Prevalence studies are limited and have small sample sizes. |
Combat in Vietnam [63,64] | >100 | 1.8%–15% | Prevalence estimates of subpopulations of Vietnam veterans (such as those injured in combat) are higher than 15%. |