Five PTSD Risk Factors That Can Affect Anyone

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis
Updated March 22, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 6% of the adult population at some point in life, according to the National Center for PTSD. PTSD can occur after a traumatic event and is typically characterized by intense fear, intrusive thoughts, and a number of other mental and physical symptoms.

Trauma can occur after a variety of circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, crime) and in several different ways (e.g., experiencing the event, witnessing the event). 

Below, we’ll look at five common PTSD risk factors as well as common treatments for PTSD.

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Five common PTSD risk factors

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), PTSD can occur after an individual is exposed to “actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.” This exposure can happen when the individual lives through the event, witnesses it, or even finds out about it. It can also occur to people who are repeatedly exposed to traumatic scenes, such as firefighters or emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Symptoms of PTSD are divided into four categories: intrusion, avoidance, cognition and mood, and reactivity. An individual typically needs to have at least one of symptom each from the intrusion and avoidance categories and at least two symptoms each from the cognition/mood and reactivity categories, to be diagnosed with PTSD.

Because the four potential methods of exposure outlined by the DSM-V cover a variety of scenarios, experiencing a traumatic event can happen in many different ways. Studies show that only half of individuals with severe symptoms of PTSD seek treatment, so awareness about the possibility of developing the condition may be helpful, whether for yourself or someone you love. Below are five risk factors that can lead to PTSD in people from all walks of life.

1. War

When people think of PTSD, combat veterans are often the first group that comes to mind. The effects of being placed in a highly stressful environment, such as a war zone, can be harmful to a person’s mental health. Studies of PTSD among veterans show varying results. Veterans of the Gulf War, particularly those who participated in Operation Desert Storm, experience PTSD at a rate of about 10%, while veterans of the Vietnam War are thought to experience PTSD at a rate of 30%.

War can prompt a trauma response in people who aren’t veterans, as well. PTSD can occur in those who lose a family suddenly or those who witness a traumatic event. Living in or near a war zone can cause trauma for civilians as well. Even those who don’t live near conflict or participate in combat can experience trauma related to war. Being repeatedly exposed to scenes of violence through the TV or other outlets has also been linked to PTSD symptoms.

2. Domestic violence

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It is estimated that 35% of those who report domestic violence have PTSD. While most prevalent in women, domestic violence* can also happen to men and children. According to information on intimate partner violence from the Centers for Disease Control, “Approximately 1 in 10 men in the United States (9.9% or an estimated 11.2 million) has experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported at least one measured impact related to these or other forms of violent behavior in that relationship.”Abuse on the part of an intimate partner makes up approximately 15% of all violent victimizations, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.  

Domestic violence is a broader term than intimate partner violence. Domestic violence can occur between parents, children, siblings, and others living in the same home. According to the CDC, one in seven children has experienced abuse or neglect over the past year. Individuals who experience domestic violence during childhood may be at high risk for developing chronic PTSD symptoms, which may go untreated for many years due to a lack of reporting.

*If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and can be reached 24/7. You can also text the word “START” to 88788 or use the chat feature on the hotline’s website. 

3. Sexual assault

Sexual violence is associated with a high risk of PTSD. In a meta-analysis of studies, researchers found that nearly 75% of people who had experienced sexual assault met the criteria for PTSD a month after the event. While sexual assault can include forcible sexual contact, it can also include unwanted sexual attention, such as demanding sexual favors, stalking, and harassing someone, whether in person or online.

Like other sources of PTSD, sexual assault can lead to numerous physical and psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety, substance use disorder, and impaired functioning. For women, this can result in more frequent visits to the doctor's office and missed days at work. For men who experience sexual assault, stigma sometimes makes it less likely for them to discuss their symptoms.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

4. Major accidents

Living through or witnessing a car crash or a similar accident can put someone at high risk for developing PTSD. Millions of people in the United States are involved in car crashes annually. For example, in 2020, there were more than 5.2 million reported collisions in the United States. Also, more than 1.5 car accidents resulted in injuries, and more than 35,000 resulted in death. In addition to the effects of direct involvement in an accident, exposure can occur through witnessing an accident or repeatedly showing up to them, as in the case of first responders.

Avoidance symptoms can be particularly severe in those who survive an accident. For example, a survivor of a car crash might be reluctant to drive and even refuse to get behind the wheel entirely.

One study showed that 34.7% of injured workers had PTSD, while another 18.2% had partial symptoms of the condition. Having PTSD and being out of work because of an accident and injuries can result in high depression rates in this particular group.

5. Other violent crimes

Although crime rates have fallen over the past few decades throughout much of the world, violent crimes can still occur in a variety of circumstances. Violent crime can include living through or witnessing robbery, assault, murder, and other events. Research shows that one in seven people who experience violent crime experiences symptoms related to PTSD.

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Treatment options for PTSD

While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can produce debilitating symptoms and impair an individual’s ability to function, it can also be managed. Treatment for PTSD typically includes psychotherapy and/or medication. The American Psychological Association (APA) strongly recommends four types of therapy for PTSD

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Cognitive processing therapy
  • Cognitive therapy
  • Prolonged exposure 

The APA also provides conditional recommendations for three types of therapy:

Medication

The APA conditionally recommends the following medications for PTSD. The first three are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and the last is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). 

Managing PTSD with online therapy

A growing number of studies suggest that online therapy can help individuals effectively manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. A meta-analysis of 12 trials with more than 1,000 participants  examined the efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD and concluded that treatment decreased trauma symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely accepted form of care that aims to help individuals reframe negative thought patterns that may be underlying maladaptive behaviors, such as those related to a trauma response.

If you’re experiencing mental health challenges related to trauma, online therapy may help. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can talk with a therapist remotely, which may be more comfortable if you’re not yet ready to discuss traumatic experiences in person. BetterHelp works with thousands of providers—who all have at least three years and 1,000 hours of experience—so you can be matched with a therapist who has experience helping people overcome PTSD.

Takeaway

PTSD can affect people of all ages and all backgrounds. While the above risk factors are some of the most common, there are numerous other events that can prompt a trauma response. If you think you may be experiencing PTSD, you don’t have to face it alone. You may benefit from speaking with a licensed counselor, whether in your community or online. With BetterHelp, you can choose a therapist who has experience working with people who have experienced trauma. Take the first step toward healing from PTSD and reach out to BetterHelp for support.
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