Posted: August 6th, 2021

List risk factors for PSTD- PTSD following a traumatic event.

Risk Factors for PSTD

List and explain some of the risk factors associated with developing PTSD following a traumatic event.

What qualifies as traumatic?

Do all people experience trauma in the same manner?

Can PTSD only be experienced by combat veterans?

Explain all answers thoroughly and with documentation. Be sure to cite and reference your sources using APA writing style.

• Previous exposure to trauma: People who have experienced trauma in the past are more likely to develop PTSD after a subsequent traumatic event. This is because they may have difficulty coping with the new trauma or have underlying mental health conditions that make them more vulnerable to PTSD.
• The severity of the trauma: The more severe the trauma, the more likely it is to lead to PTSD. This is because more severe traumas are more likely to cause intense fear, helplessness, or horror, which are all risk factors for PTSD.
• The person’s individual response to the trauma: Some people are more resilient than others and are less likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event. This may be due to factors such as their personality, coping skills, and social support networks.
• The availability of social support: People who have a strong social support network are less likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event. This is because social support can help people to cope with the trauma and to feel less alone.
• The person’s age: Children and adolescents are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event than adults. This is because children and adolescents are still developing and may have difficulty understanding and coping with trauma.
• The person’s mental health status: People who have pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event. This is because these conditions can make people more vulnerable to the effects of trauma.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines a traumatic event as “an event that is outside the range of usual human experience and that is perceived as threatening or overwhelming.” This can include events such as natural disasters, accidents, acts of violence, and war.

Not all people experience trauma in the same way. Some people may be more resilient than others and may be able to cope with the trauma without developing PTSD. Others may be more vulnerable to the effects of trauma and may develop PTSD even after a relatively mild event.

PTSD is not only experienced by combat veterans. It can be experienced by anyone who has been exposed to a traumatic event. In fact, studies have shown that about 7% of the general population will develop PTSD at some point in their lives.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/