Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur to anybody. Developing PTSD symptoms is not a sign of weakness. PTSD occurs across all ages, races, ethnicities and cultures. There are however certain factors which can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms.
These include type of trauma experienced, how long the trauma was experienced for, upbringing, trauma history, ethnicity and maladaptive coping behaviours post trauma.
Groups with a higher risk of developing PTSD
Some groups of people have a higher risk of developing PTSD.
- These include those serving in the armed forces or emergency services particularly the fire service. The term PTSD is often associated with the armed forces. However PTSD is experienced in civilian life also.
- People who are from an ethnic minority have a greater risk of developing PTSD.
- The female gender is at a higher risk of developing PTSD than their male counterparts.
Background influencing factors
There also a number of background influencing factors in relation to the likelihood of developing PTSD.
- PTSD risk is higher if you are from a poor background
- If you have had mental health problems previously
- Experienced multiple traumas
- Poor education
- Have a family history of mental illness
- Number of times a person has been traumatised and whether trauma is still being experienced or ongoing
Risk of Developing PTSD by Type of Trauma Experienced
The risk of developing PTSd symptoms post trauma is also influenced by the type of trauma experienced. The following list is information compiled from the PTSD Alliance which shows the type of trauma and the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms.
| Type of Trauma | Likelihood of Developing PTSD |
| Natural Disasters | 3.8% |
| Witnessing someone being killed or seriously injured | 7.3% |
| Life threatening illness of a child | 10.4% |
| Unexpected, sudden death of a friend or family member | 14.3% |
| Stabbing or shooting | 15.4% |
| Serious injury due to an accident e.g. car accident | 16.8% |
| Sexual assault | 23.7% |
| Physical assault or severe beating | 31.9% |
| Rape | 49% |
Trauma related factors
The type of trauma influences the likelihood of developing PTSD as does some of the defining characteristics related to the type of trauma. these might include:
- The perception of the severity of the trauma e.g. rape, combat injury in war, disaster, or abuse
- The duration of the trauma. If a trauma goes on for a long time or there are multiple traumas related or unrelated increase the likelihood of developing PTSD.
- The perceived threat. If there is a perceived threat to life, or real threat to life or severe injury raises the change of PTSD symptoms being experienced.
- Trauma cause. If the trauma was deliberately caused by someone else e.g. assault or terrorism or childhood abuse.
- If children are involved. If children are involved as part of the trauma it increases the chance of PTSD symptoms.
- Fear: If a person feels extreme fear, horror or helplessness at the time of the event.
- Loss: If loss is experienced as part of the trauma or shortly afterwards. Loss might include the death of a loved one, house or job or mental or physically disabling factors.
Post Trauma Behaviour and Maladaptive Coping
Trauma symptoms can be intrusive and difficult to cope with. Sometimes the way we cope with symptoms can mean they last longer and we are at higher risk of developing PTSD. The following factors can impact our ability to get better.
- Not getting support or professional help in relation to the trauma after symptoms have persisted for longer than four weeks
- Avoiding feelings and everyday activities which support your values. Avoidance is often achieved by way of addiction behaviours, substance misuse and isolation.
- Personal situation with regard to a support network. Pushing people away that are trying to be supportive.
- Risky behaviour which can lead to more trauma. e.g. Excessive drug or alcohol use.
If you have experienced a trauma and are experiencing PTSD symptoms after four weeks please contact us for a PTSD assessment.
PTSD triggers can be greatly reduced with EMDR therapy allowing natural healing to begin.