Most Humans Suffer PTSD

[coberst]

Most Humans Suffer PTSD

It seems apparent to me that most humans throughout the existence of the species have suffered from experiences that cause Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; violence must have been a daily occurrence in the human world until recently. Today probably only 20 to 50% of the worlds population is in such a terrible situation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs says: “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults like rape. Most survivors of trauma return to normal given a little time. However, some people will have stress reactions that do not go away on their own, or may even get worse over time. These individuals may develop PTSD. People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged, and these symptoms can be severe enough and last long enough to significantly impair the person's daily life.

I have been reading Tuchman’s history of the fourteenth century and also WWI. She writes in an excellent historical narrative style. It appears to me that at least 50% of all humans that ever existed must have suffered from experiences that cause PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). War, rape, pillage, outlaws, etc. was the common daily event in many lives.

I guess that such pervasive disorders must have left its mark in our gene pool. I have just begun to wonder about this phenomena and I do not know what to make of it. Do you have any thoughts?