
Learn how women are affected differently
PTSD in Women
Unfortunately, the type of trauma that leads to post-traumatic stress disorder is not rare. It is believed as many as six out of every ten men and five out of every ten women will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Each year, as many as 8 million adults in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Of those, nearly 40% will struggle with severe mental health impairment resulting from their symptoms.
Although, as previously noted, post-traumatic stress disorder can affect both genders, a vast body of statistics indicates there are notable gender differences in the prevalence of PTSD for men and women. Based on data from the National Center for PTSD, approximately 4% of men will experience PTSD during their lives; however, more than 10% of women will struggle with the same mental health condition. Additionally, multiple research studies suggest women are more than twice as likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Several factors could lead to the difference in prevalence rates between PTSD in women and men. Examples include the type of trauma, gender expectations, and coping strategies for stress.
Although, as previously noted, post-traumatic stress disorder can affect both genders, a vast body of statistics indicates there are notable gender differences in the prevalence of PTSD for men and women. Based on data from the National Center for PTSD, approximately 4% of men will experience PTSD during their lives; however, more than 10% of women will struggle with the same mental health condition. Additionally, multiple research studies suggest women are more than twice as likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Several factors could lead to the difference in prevalence rates between PTSD in women and men. Examples include the type of trauma, gender expectations, and coping strategies for stress.