However, mental health professionals define traumatic events in very specific ways.
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Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
Genetic Factors
Research continues to explore the role of genetics in the development of PTSD.
Women are considered more likely to develop PTSD than men.
The genetic risk rate was found to be much lower in males.
Societal Factors
Social support, or lack of, is a critical risk factor.
Those who are limited in options for social support can be at greater risk for PTSD.
People who attempt to generally cope with challenges in isolation may be at greater risk for developing PTSD.
Even if you do have support available, it may not be enough to curb the development of PTSD.
Those who tend to score lower on IQ tests have been shown to be more susceptible to developing PTSD.
In addition, people who have greaterneuroticismhave shown to be more likely to have PTSD.
Research has shown that this decreased volume was associated with greater self-reports of anxiety in participants.
The impact of trauma has been found to have a cumulative effect.
Life stressors are a risk factor as well.
The nature of the triggering event is something to consider as an influential factor.
Jones LK, Cureton JL.Trauma redefined in the DSM-5: rationale and implications for counseling practice.The Professional Counselor.
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Trauma Symptoms, Causes, and Effects.
American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Publishing (2013).PsychGuides.com.
