As an entrepreneurship consultant who advises small business leaders, I often consider how various health conditions impact the workplace. One such condition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has a further reach than many realize. Just how common is PTSD, and how does it affect aspects beyond mental health? Let‘s explore.
Estimating Total Cases of PTSD
Per the National Institute of Mental Health 1, an estimated 6.8% of U.S. adults will experience PTSD during their lives. For perspective, that equates to over 17 million people based on 2022 population estimates.
Breaking down by gender, 8.7% of women and 4.7% of men develop PTSD. And per a comprehensive study 2, roughly 3.5% of U.S. adults have active PTSD symptoms each year.
Workplace Effects of PTSD
For business leaders and entrepreneurs, the impacts of PTSD extend into the workplace through lower productivity and absenteeism. Compared to the general public, those with PTSD display:
- 2-3x greater workplace absenteeism [^3]
- 6x greater chance of significant reduction in productivity [^3]
Based on U.S. workforce participation rates 3, over 7 million working-age adults likely grapple with acute PTSD symptoms annually. At up to 6 times lower output, the workplace costs are staggering.
Comorbid Conditions in PTSD Patients
Reflecting its systemic impacts throughout life, PTSD highly correlates with numerous other health issues:
- Over 80% of people with PTSD have another mental health condition [^5]
- 33-59% have an alcohol or substance use disorder [^6]
- 2-3x greater risk of cardiovascular disease [^7]
- Higher rates of chronic pain, diabetes, etc. [^8]
Clearly the effects of PTSD span wider than solely mental health. From the workplace to physical health and beyond, understanding condition prevalence allows better support.
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