Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an emotional and psychological reaction to trauma. Although it has been called shell shock, battle fatigue, traumatic neurosis and war neurosis, the disorder is not limited to soldiers. Traumatic events that trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.
About 3.6% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 54 have PTSD. About 12%-30% of those who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD. The highest rates (from one-third to one-half exposed) are found among survivors of rape, military combat and captivity, and ethnically or politically motivated internment and genocide.
PTSD can develop at any age, including childhood.