Five PTSD Risk Factors That Can Affect Anyone
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.
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
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.
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:
- Brief eclectic psychotherapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
- Narrative exposure 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
How do individuals cope and manage the impact of trauma?
Individuals can cope with the effects of trauma in different ways. Some might learn certain strategies to manage traumatic event avoidance symptoms, such as staying away from reminders of the trauma or seeking out talk therapy to process the events. Others may find assistance through social support networks, including friends, family, and support groups. Clinical trials have shown that therapy, mental health services, and self-care strategies can be effective in managing stress from trauma.
What risk factor increases the likelihood of developing PTSD?
Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD, with a history of childhood abuse being a significant one. Other factors include the severity of the traumatic events, a family history of mental illness, and pre-existing conditions like anxiety disorders. A person with severe mood symptoms following a traumatic event may also be more likely to develop PTSD.
What healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms do people use to process their trauma?
After experiencing a traumatic event, people may use several coping mechanisms. Healthy ways to cope might include seeking mental health services, practicing mindfulness, and getting regular exercise. Unhealthy coping mechanisms might involve substance abuse, withdrawing from social activities, and ignoring ongoing trauma. Managing trauma in an unhealthy way may result in a cycle of extreme fear and reactivity symptoms that become increasingly difficult to break.
What are some healthy coping mechanisms to use for stress in daily life challenges or to create positive mental health?
Healthy ways to cope with daily stress and improve mental health can include keeping a routine with physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Talk therapy and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can also be beneficial. Many people may find that connecting with a supportive social network can also help support a healthy mindset.
What is the difference between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping?
Problem-focused coping involves taking active steps to remove or reduce the cause of stress. It might include seeking mental health professionals' advice or creating a plan to tackle a stressful work project. Emotion-focused coping is directed toward managing the emotional response to stress. This way of coping might include seeking social support or doing activities that promote a positive mood. Both strategies can be helpful and used in combination to effectively manage stress.
What is the best way to defend the body from the harmful effects of stress?
Some of the best ways to defend the body from stress include using various approaches like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate rest, and mindfulness practices. Being proactive by using mental health services for stress management education and support can also be helpful. Some people may find that a strong network of social support and early management can greatly reduce the harmful effects of stress.
What are reasons that effective stress management is important?
Effective stress management is important because chronic stress may lead to various physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, anxiety disorders, and depression. Stress can also impair a person’s ability to function in daily life, affect the quality of relationships, and reduce overall life satisfaction. Individuals can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of developing a mental health condition by effectively managing stress.
When should someone talk to a mental health professional about unwelcome thoughts or emotions?
An individual should talk to a mental health professional about unwelcome thoughts or emotions when these thoughts and emotions begin to interfere with daily life, cause distress, or lead to a fear of acting on these thoughts. If there is a noticeable change in behavior and mood, or coping mechanisms are no longer effective, it's important to seek help. Mental health professionals are trained to provide support and treatment for those who experience the negative effects of stress and trauma.
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