 The rate of PTSD may be lower in children than adults, but in the absence of therapy, symptoms may continue for decades.One estimate suggests that the proportion of children and adolescents having PTSD in a non-wartorn population in a developed country may be 1% compared to 1.5% to 3% of adults, and much lower below the age of 10 years.On average, 16% of children exposed to a traumatic event develop PTSD, varying according to type of exposure and gender.