Does ptsd go away
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Does PTSD Go Away?
Understanding PTSD: Definition and Causes
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Such events can include military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault during adulthood or childhood2. While many trauma survivors return to normalcy over time, some individuals experience persistent stress reactions that can develop into PTSD2.
Prevalence and Trajectories of PTSD
Initial Prevalence and Decline Over Time
Research indicates that the prevalence of PTSD is highest shortly after the traumatic event and tends to decrease over time. A systematic review found that the mean prevalence of PTSD drops from 28.8% at one month post-trauma to 17.0% at twelve months1. This suggests that a significant number of individuals experience a reduction in PTSD symptoms within the first year following the trauma.
Impact of Trauma Type on PTSD Trajectories
The type of trauma—whether intentional (e.g., assault) or non-intentional (e.g., natural disasters)—affects the trajectory of PTSD. For non-intentional trauma, the median prevalence of PTSD tends to decrease over time. Conversely, for intentional trauma, the median prevalence of PTSD increases from 11.8% to 23.3% over the same period1. This indicates that intentional traumas may lead to more persistent PTSD symptoms.
Chronicity and Remission of PTSD
Chronic PTSD
A significant portion of individuals with PTSD experience a chronic course. Approximately 39.1% of those diagnosed with PTSD continue to have symptoms over a prolonged period1. This chronicity underscores the need for long-term support and treatment for a substantial subset of PTSD sufferers.
Remission Rates
On a more positive note, about one-third (34.8%) of individuals with PTSD experience remission within three months1. This highlights that a considerable number of people can recover from PTSD relatively quickly, especially with appropriate interventions and support.
Conclusion
PTSD does not have a uniform trajectory and can vary significantly based on the type of trauma and individual differences. While many individuals see a reduction in symptoms over time, particularly within the first year, others may experience chronic PTSD. Intentional traumas tend to result in more persistent symptoms compared to non-intentional traumas. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective public health planning and treatment strategies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A Systematic Review of PTSD Prevalence and Trajectories in DSM-5 Defined Trauma Exposed Populations: Intentional and Non-Intentional Traumatic Events
PTSD prevalence in DSM-5-defined trauma exposed populations decreases over time, with intentional trauma exposure having a higher prevalence, and understanding its trajectories can aid public health planning and treatment.
Systematic Review
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedA Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors for Combat-Related PTSD among Military Personnel and Veterans
Combat-related PTSD in military personnel and veterans is significantly increased by factors such as gender, ethnicity, low education, non-officer ranks, combat specialization, high deployments, prior trauma exposure, and psychological problems.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedInflammation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Review of Potential Correlates of PTSD with a Neurological Perspective
Elevated levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines and neuroimaging studies show inflammation in brain regions responsible for stress and emotion regulation.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedAre There Effective Psychopharmacologic Treatments for PTSD?
PTSD treatment with SSRIs, paroxetine, and sertraline is effective, but more research is needed to optimize response and reduce off-label prescriptions.
Systematic ReviewDifferent neural modifications underpin PTSD after different traumatic events: an fMRI meta-analytic study
PTSD has a consistent neural network, but specific brain areas are affected differently after different traumatic events, potentially related to specific aspects of the trauma.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPost-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is a complex disorder influenced by biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors, with psychotherapy showing the greatest efficacy in treatment.
Highly CitedTreating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions
Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are strongly recommended for adults with PTSD, addressing memories and thoughts related to the traumatic event.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe relationship of trauma-related guilt with PTSD symptoms in adult trauma survivors: a meta-analysis
Trauma-related guilt is strongly associated with the onset and maintenance of PTSD symptoms in adult trauma survivors, with varying effects depending on the guilt measure and trauma type.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalComplex PTSD: A syndrome in survivors of prolonged and repeated trauma.
Prolonged, repeated trauma is a complex form of post-traumatic disorder, with potential for inclusion in the DSM-IV under the name DESNOS.
Highly Cited