More awareness is needed about the events that can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research suggests.

According to the findings, the disorder is less likely to be recognised in those who have had accidents or been sexually assaulted compared to those who have suffered military-related trauma.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after experiencing an intensely stressful event in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. It has been well documented in relation to military conflict, but it can also occur as a result of other scenarios, such as road traffic accidents, a violent assault or a serious illness.

Common symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks and high blood pressure.

UK scientists decided to look into this area further. They provided almost 3,000 people with a description of a person experiencing PTSD symptoms following either military combat, a sexual assault, in particular rape, or a serious accident.

In each case, the symptoms were the exact same - it was only the trigger that was different.

They found that people were more likely to recognise PTSD when it was related to military combat. They were less likely to recognise it in rape or accident victims.

In fact when it came to the accident and rape cases, the participants were significantly less likely to even consider the symptoms a mental health issue.

"The association between PTSD and military combat experience is frequently portrayed in film and television, and the current research supports the pervasive ‘traumatised veteran' stereotype.

"However, PTSD can arise from a variety of traumatic experiences, including road traffic accidents, physical or sexual assault, and natural disasters. Across the wider population, these non-military traumas are much more common," noted Dr Ian Tharp of the University of Grenwich.

He said that these findings suggest that many people who develop PTSD following non-military traumas ‘are less likely to have it recognised by those around them, and are also less likely to seek help for their difficulties'.

The scientists called for more awareness of the ‘key symptoms of trauma', so that potential cases of PTSD can be identified.

"This enhanced understanding would also help support services, such as charities, guide individuals towards professional treatments," they added.

Details of these findings are published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.