Prognosis

Whereas most people who go through traumatic events experience a brief acute response to the stressful situation and never develop an enduring pathologic reaction, a smaller proportion of people will develop PTSD, either alone or complicated with comorbid disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or substance misuse.[27][30][118]

The transition from acute to long term, and the disease course, are varied and influenced by risk and protective factors. For example, availability of treatment, social support, and effective coping strategies might influence recovery. Severity of exposure and loss of life and property might be associated with a long and complicated course of illness.[119]

The average duration of symptoms, if treated, is 36 months, and the average duration of symptoms among those untreated is 64 months. Moreover, while almost 50% experience significant reduction in symptoms, more than one third of people never fully remit.[30]

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