As you say, it is difficult to answer that question. In my opinion, post-traumatic stress disorder is not really more prevalent than it used to be, it is just that we are more aware of it. It is not necessarily more prevalent. I spent a great deal of time at the Hôpital Sainte-Anne. I have met with many patients who were over 80 and who had traumatic nightmares every night and yet, they had never been diagnosed with PTSD at any time during their lives.
On March 4th, 2008. See this statement in context.