Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, avoidance, and negative alterations in cognitions and mood that can become persistent for some individuals after traumatic event exposure. Approximately 5.6% of trauma-exposed adults world-wide have PTSD during their lifetimes, and rates are higher in those with high levels and certain types of trauma exposure such as combat survivors and assault victims1. PTSD is a chronic condition for many, posing a substantial quality-of-life and economic burden to individuals and society2.
