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Table 1 A comparison of PTSD prevalence rates across 'at-risk' adult populations

From: Post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress symptoms following critical illness in medical intensive care unit patients: assessing the magnitude of the problem

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%.

  1. aStudies listed are either recent reviews or key investigations of the topic which include a discussion of prevalence. ICU, intensive care unit; MI, myocardial infarction; MVA, motor vehicle accident; PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.