Abstract

Introduction: This systematic review evaluated the prevalence of delayed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following road traffic crashes (RTC).

Materials and Methods: The sample was RTC survivors, and PTSD was assessed by clinician- administered measures for at least six months (in line with DSM-V standards).

Results: The search resulted in 10089 unique records. Fourty-three studies were eligible to be included in the systematic review. Of these, 29 papers were related to the clinicianadministered measures, and the rest were on self-reported cases. The total prevalence of PTSD was 13.5%. Delayed PTSD is common in RTC survivors either 60 months after the accident. Hospitalized patients were more prone to developing disorders.

Conclusion: The surveyed countries' demographics demonstrate the differences between them, necessitating a greater focus on survivors in those countries and financial assistance for their populations' therapeutic and social needs.

Keywords: Stress disorders, post-traumatic, PTSD, crashes, traffic, accidents.