Professions With High Risk of PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that often develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is a disorder most commonly associated with the military. However, that is not the only occupation that possesses a high risk of PTSD development. Certain workers are at a higher risk for developing PTSD and other related mental health disorders, based on their professions. Traumatic events, such as sexual assault, combat, or accidents are all common causes of PTSD. There are a number of professions that directly experience theses events often, if not daily.

Here are 7 professions that are most at risk for PTSD:

Military

It should come at no surprise that those working in the military are at a high risk for developing PTSD. Combat veterans develop the disorder at different rates, but this is the profession with the highest risk. It’s not just the combat, injuries, or death that military personnel experience either. A large number of individuals in the military report experiencing sexual harassment and assault which can also result in PTSD.

Police Officers

Law enforcement officers are exposed to a number of serious threats and stressful situations regularly. They often witness traumatic events and the effects of such events on their victims. Only about 10% of police officers experience PTSD. This lower than expected number is likely because police officers rare encouraged to engage with mental health professionals. There are rules in place to help prevent them from developing PTSD. For example. after a shooting officers are required to undergo therapy. Police officers are also screened before getting hired to ensure they are stable in terms of mental health.

Firefighters

Firefighters deal with more than fires. They are the first responders to vehicle accidents and natural disasters in most countries. It is an extremely hazardous profession. Firefighters experience stress daily, from situations that threaten their own safety to having to aid in catastrophes. The rate of PTSD in firefighters is estimated to be as high as 20%.

Emergency Medical and Ambulance Personal

EMS and ambulance workers are routinely exposed to high stress situations that are literally life and death situations. This profession has a high rate of PTSD, as high as 20%. When pre-employment screening and easy access to mental health services are provided the rate goes down significantly.

Healthcare Workers

Other health care workers, particularly those that work in emergency rooms or intensive care units, are at higher risk to develop PTSD. There are many variables when looking at healthcare workers though. The area one works in greatly impacts the rate at which this disorder develops. The ICU, ER, and those that work directly with victims of assault, have higher rates than those that work in other units.

Journalists

You may think that of journalists as being fairly low-risk for PTSD. For most journalists that is ture, but those that work as war correspondents are exposed to increased risk of personal threats such as injuries, kidnappings, or death. The PTSD rate among these individuals for PTSD is close to 30%. A big cause of this high number is likely the lack of support and resources available to these individuals. 

First Responders

First responders are the rescue workers, medical workers, and volunteers that are the first to arrive and aid after a disaster has struck. This could either be a natural disaster such as a wildfire or hurricane, or even a terrorist attack such as a school shooting or bombing. These individuals witness these traumatic events and the aftermath first hand. The prevalence of PTSD among this profession is between 15-30%.

If you work in one of these professions and feel like you might be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, please contact us. Our team at Raul J. Rodriguez MD & Associates is experienced working with both veterans and first responders and offer unique therapies for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and PTSD.

Dr. Raul J. Rodriguez

Dr. Raul Rodriguez

DABPN, DABAM, MRO

Existing patients, please text 561-409-7296 for follow-up appointment requests or if you have medication concerns please text 561-409-7296.

X