PTSD: Traumatic Events and Other Risk Factors

Mental health professionals define traumatic events in specific ways to determine if a person may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The DSM Definition of a Traumatic Event

The DSM-5 defines PTSD triggers as exposure to actual or threatened:

• Death
• Serious injury
• Sexual violation

Additionally, the exposure must result from one of the following situations:

• Directly experiencing the traumatic event
• Witnessing the traumatic event in person
• Learning that the traumatic event occurred to a close family member or close friend (with the actual or threatened death being either violent or accidental)
• Experiencing first-hand, repeated, or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event (excluding media, pictures, television, or movies, except for work-related events)

Signs That Someone May Have Been Through a Traumatic Event

• Appearing shaken up and "out of it"
• Dissociation or disconnection
• Anxiety, edginess, poor concentration, mood swings, panic attacks
• Emotional outbursts or moods (anger, sadness)
• Physical signs (racing heartbeat, fatigue, paleness, lethargy)

Risk Factors

• Genetic Factors: Women are more likely to develop PTSD.
• Societal Factors: PTSD risk is higher with limited social support and avoidant coping strategies.
• Biological and Neurological Factors: PTSD is associated with lower IQ scores, higher neuroticism, and decreased brain volume in prefrontal areas.
• Other Factors: Trauma history, mental health conditions, life stress, and the intensity of the triggering event all influence PTSD risk.

Helping Someone Cope With a Traumatic Event

• Understand the definition of a traumatic event.
• Recognize signs of trauma.
• Offer help even if it's initially declined.
• Provide emotional support and encourage discussing the experience.
• Help connect the person to resources and support groups.
• Be patient and understanding during recovery.