How many people have complex-PTSD, and what role does gender play?

International estimates suggest 0.5% to 4%of the population can have complex-PTSD at any stage according to SANE Australia. As it is a relatively new diagnosis, there are wide variations in these estimates. There are normally much higher rates (up to 30%+) among groups who have experienced chronic (long-lasting) exposure to trauma. This can include refugees, survivors of childhood abuse, people in out-of-home care, those experiencing domestic violence, LGBTIQA+ individuals, or service members (such as military or first responders). 

C-PTSD was recently recognized, but it's understood to be linked to social factors like poverty and inequality, with women and those with certain occupational backgrounds being at higher risk.  The numbers of those with complex-PTSD is difficult as research often focuses on PTSD or prevalence within specific trauma-exposed groups rather than C-PTSD in the general community. Within mental health facility populations, up to 50% might be affected. 

Risk Factors and Social Determinant
Risk factors can include chronic trauma. C-PTSD is linked to prolonged, repeated traumatic experiences, often occurring in childhood. Factors such as gender inequality, racism, and poverty are associated with higher trauma exposure and C-PTSD rates. Women are at a higher risk for both trauma exposure and the development of PTSD and C-PTSD. 


Gender

Studies show that women are at higher risk for both trauma exposure and the development of PTSD and C-PTSD. This is especially the case for cisgendered women and they often have more severe symptoms. These higher 
rates in women are linked to higher exposure to interpersonal trauma, such as sexual assault or long-term domestic and family abuse. Women are also at greater risk for C-PTSD even with similar trauma exposures. 

In some studies, cisgender women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop PTSD and CPTSD than men, even when exposed to similar trauma types. Women are more likely to experience trauma over extended periods, such as ongoing interpersonal violence.

That said, some recent systematic reviews indicate that there may be no difference in overall CPTSD prevalence between genders, or findings can be mixed. Sometimes this can be the use of different diagnostic criteria (such as those from ICD-10 versus ICD-11) can influence the rates of difference between studies according to one study. Even when overall rates are similar, women may exhibit higher symptom severity in certain clusters or have a higher frequency of specific symptoms compared to men. 



Experiences of Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) individuals
Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) youth experience higher rates of trauma due to discrimination, stigma, and marginalisation related to their identity. While facing numerous stressors, TGD individuals show resilience, particularly when they have access to social supports and affirming, trauma-informed services. 

Last modified: Wednesday, 24 December 2025, 12:29 PM