An overview of posttraumatic stress disorder in African Americans

Abstract

While several studies have found high rates of trauma exposure there is limited information on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relationship to depression in the African American population. The prevalence and/or expression of psychiatric disorders can differ between racial/ethnic groups. The authors review literature addressing trauma exposure, prevalence, and expression of PTSD in the African American population. Risk factors that may be of specific significance to the development of PTSD in African Americans are also reviewed. Additionally, treatment issues and potential directions for future research of PTSD in the African American population are discussed.

Experiences of Traumatic Events and Associations with PTSD and Depression Development in Urban Health Care-seeking Women

“…This study provides further evidence of high rates of PTSD in health careseeking urban women; 6,38 however, it does not provide insight into the reasons for increased risk or how best to intervene. Previous studies have linked early trauma, multiple victimizations, chronic exposure to community violence, and also inadequate medical resources to high PTSD risk in low-income urban women.…”

“…21,[23][24][25] African Americans who live in urban economically disadvantaged areas experience higher rates of trauma and PTSD than the general population. 1,3,6,26 In a sample of health care-seeking urban African-American women, rates of current PTSD were as high as 23%. 19,27,28 In a large epidemiologic study, rates of PTSD for nonwhites was twice as high as whites (14% versus 7%); however, these higher rates were attributed to socioeconomic status and urban residence, suggesting that these factors may congregate and result in increased risk.…”

“…4,5 Lastly, MDD has been shown to co-occur in almost half of individuals who develop PTSD, compounding psychological and physical health impairments. 2,6,7 Women develop PTSD at twice the rate of men, [1][2][3][8][9][10] and also experience PTSD symptoms for longer periods than men. 2 Women's vulnerability for PTSD development may be related to the experience of assaultive events.…”

“…19,27,28 In a large epidemiologic study, rates of PTSD for nonwhites was twice as high as whites (14% versus 7%); however, these higher rates were attributed to socioeconomic status and urban residence, suggesting that these factors may congregate and result in increased risk. 2,6 The chronic stress of poverty and urban living may contribute to PTSD risk. Low-income urban women are confronted with chronic stressors including economic hardship, which extends to nearly every aspect of ordinary life, from difficulties meeting daily needs to dangers of substandard housing and dangerous neighborhood environments.…”

Treatment barriers for low‐income, urban African Americans with undiagnosed posttraumatic stress disorder

“…A growing number of studies (e.g., Alim, Charney, & Mellman, 2006;Liebschutz et al, 2007) indicate that low income African Americans living in urban environments are at high risk for both exposure to traumatic events and for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A recent study of 617 African American primary-care patients found a 65% rate of life-time trauma exposure and a 33% rate of PTSD (Alim, Graves et al, 2006).…”