What are Risk Factors for Developing PTSD and How to Treat It?

Disruption in a person’s life can affect the ability to function normally, and can lead to a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Everyone experiences some type of fear and stress when going through a traumatic event. These feelings are normal and allow people to protect themselves from violent threats. However, for some individuals, the physical and emotional feelings cause a disruption in the brain. 

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

PTSD is a condition that causes a person to experience a traumatic event over and over again. The replaying of the event can be so real, it feels like it just happened. To be diagnosed with PTSD, a person must have some of the following symptoms for at least one month.

  • Re-experiencing symptoms. The person has flashbacks or nightmares from the traumatic event.
  • Avoidance symptoms. The individual stays away from people and social situations, particularly those that remind them of the trauma.
  • Reactivity symptoms. A victim with PTSD has emotional outbursts and trouble sleeping. They may be hyper-aware of their surroundings when they do go out.
  • Mood symptoms. The person suffers from mood imbalances like depression, guilt, and anxiety.

Why Does PTSD Only Affect Some and Not Others?

We know that some groups of people are more likely to have PTSD than others, such as war veterans or victims of sexual assault. But, not every person sexually assaulted has PTSD, and not every war veteran has violent flashbacks. So why are only some people affected by this condition?

Some research suggests PTSD occurs when chemicals in the brain are disrupted by an extreme stress response. As an example, high levels of adrenaline may cause memories from the event to remain powerful and real to the person. Also, trauma at a younger age may cause the brain to be hyperactive, resulting in more extreme reactions to stress.

Here are some risk factors that may make one person more likely to develop PTSD:

  • Previous history or family history of mental illness
  • History of substance abuse
  • Suffering an injury during the attack
  • Seeing someone injured or killed
  • Seeing a dead body
  • Additional stress on top of the event, such as losing a loved one

There’s More to Learn About PTSD

At this time, we still have a lot to learn about PTSD. The brain is incredibly complex, and it’s difficult to know how a person will respond to trauma until it’s too late. What we know is that drugs and alcohol, mental illness, and PTSD are strongly linked.

PTSD can be successfully treated using a combination of medical treatment and counseling. People can learn how to control their symptoms and function normally in society. For those battling substance abuse, a dual diagnosis rehab in California is the best choice.

Awakenings Treatment Center is a trauma treatment center that offers holistic treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions. Treatment takes place in our safe, supportive outpatient rehab facility. Contact our admissions team today to start your healing from past traumas!

About Shari Corbitt

Dr. Shari Corbitt is a distinguished clinical psychologist with an enduring commitment to enhancing the mental well-being of individuals and communities. Holding a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D), she has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise, making her a trusted authority in the field of mental health. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Corbitt has provided compassionate and evidence-based therapy to countless clients. Her areas of specialization range from cannabis-induced psychosis and mood disorders to anxiety, and chronic pain, as it relates to PTSD and trauma, as well as stress-related conditions. She is widely recognized for her empathetic approach, creating a safe and supportive space for clients to embark on their healing journeys. Dr. Corbitt founded Awakenings Treatment Center to provide cutting-edge treatment for individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders, as well as related emotional difficulties. Optimal wellness is the goal for every client. She lives in gratitude each day for her own recovery, which she enjoys one day at a time.