Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Statistics
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health disorder that affects a large number of people throughout the United States. According to the National Center for PTSD, 7-8% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. In a single year, as many as 8 million adults will go through posttraumatic stress disorder after suffering some form of trauma.
Men are more likely to experience trauma from:
- Accidents
- Physical assault
- Combat
- Disaster
- Witnessing death or injury
Women are more likely to experience trauma from:
- Sexual assault
- Child sexual abuse
The National Center for PTSD estimates that 60% of men and 50% of women will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime. Unfortunately, few people seek treatment for mental health disorders including PTSD. Posttraumatic stress disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition identified in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Because of the prevalence of mental health disorders in the United States, courts throughout the country have implemented mental health diversion programs to help those charged with a crime where the underlying condition was a factor in the commission of the crime.
Mental Health Diversion
Mental health diversion is an important tool for those experiencing a mental health disorder. Research shows that a large percentage of those incarcerated have experienced a mental illness or substance use disorder in the 12 months preceding the commission of the crime. By allowing offenders to complete mental health diversion, the underlying condition can be treated.
Treatment is a requirement of diversion and the offender must have a recently diagnosed mental health disorder identified in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder meets the eligibility requirements for mental health diversion in California.