Risk factors for the development of PTSD

• In this piece, we will talk about what the risk factors are for the development of PTSD, and what the reasons are that can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

  What most frequently can trigger the development of  PTSD

  If you have experienced any of the following situations, you may develop PTSD over time:

  • wars and military conflicts
  • witnessing someone’s violent death
  • serious accidents (for example, a car accident)
  • physical or sexual violence
  • serious health problems or having experience of being in intensive care unit
  • complicated process of childbirth
  • having a life-threatening disease
  • terrorist attacks
  • natural or man-made disasters (for example, tsunami or fire).

  In fact, the number of events that can cause PTSD is much greater. If your experience is not mentioned here, it does not mean that you should not seek help and support from a specialist if you happen to start experiencing PTSD symptoms.

  Below you can find the GAD-7 anxiety disorder screening survey.

  

  GAD-7 anxiety disorder screening survey

  Main PTSD risk factors

  If, in the case of a traumatic event or stressful situation, there was no support from family or friends, there is prolonged depression or anxiety, while the risk of developing PTSD increases.

  Against the backdrop of the full-scale war in Ukraine, a significant part of the civilian population is predisposed to the development of PTSD due to a number of risk factors present. Refugees and asylum seekers can experience trauma that can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder.

  As for the military, risk factors for post-traumatic stress include:

  • duration of combat action
  • low morale
  • poor social support
  • low level of education
  • history of children’s problems
  • a history of previous mental disorders increases the risk of PTSD.

  Persons who provide first aid, the first responders - the police, ambulance personnel - often face traumatic events due to their professional duties. However, the fact that they chose such a profession speaks of a certain inherent resilience.

  It is believed that a genetic factor can also play a certain role in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. For example, according to some studies, the presence of mental health problems in parents increases the chances of developing PTSD.

  If you have recently experienced a traumatic event and are still feeling its effects, consult a general practitioner.

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  Sources:

  1. https://www.psychiatry.org
  2. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/
  3. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/causes/
  4. Javidi H, Yadollahie M; Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Int J Occup Environ Med. 2012 Jan3(1):2-9.
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Who suffers from PTSD
    PTSD can occur in any person at any age. If you notice symptoms of PTSD in yourself or your loved ones, do not self-medicate, consult a doctor.
  • Where does PTSD come from?
    PTSD occurs due to a stressful traumatic event that was associated with extreme danger.