Mary-Anne Kate, University of New England and Graham Jamieson, University of New England
When we think about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we most often think of soldiers traumatised by their experiences of war. But the statistics tell another story.
While about 5-12% of Australian military personnel who have experienced active service have PTSD at any one time, this is about the same (10%) as rates for police, ambulance personnel, firefighters and other rescue workers.
And while these rates are significant, they are not vastly different to rates in the general Australian population (8% of women and 5% of men).
PTSD is actually most common in populations with a high exposure to forms of complex trauma. This involves multiple, chronic and deliberately inflicted interpersonal traumas (physical and sexual abuse and assaults, emotional abuse, neglect, persecution and torture).
Sex workers, women fleeing domestic violence, survivors of childhood abuse and Indigenous Australians are far more likely to have experienced this complex trauma. In these groups, between 40% and 55% are affected by PTSD.
So, how and why does their complex trauma differ from the PTSD we most commonly associate with the military?
PTSD vs complex PTSD
Complex trauma leads to a specific type of PTSD, known as complex PTSD, which will be listed in the 2018 edition of International Classification of Diseases for the first time.
Top Comments
I was shocked to be given a PTSD diagnosis by my psychiatrist just under 12 months ago, until she explained just how primitive our brains really are. Our bodies don't distinguish the difference between a war zone and going through a prolonged traumatic period of stress- same hormones and physical responses will ultimately have the same impact.
PTSD has cost me more than I could ever explain. It's far more reaching than people realize. Great article however I will disagree on the statement of stigma attached to military / fire/ police / ambo etc is less - will refute that wholeheartedly. I think the stigma attached to the illness as a whole is appalling. I refuse to be quiet on the issue overuse ( as some may call it) is the start of awareness , understanding and hopefully acceptance .