What is a common risk factor for developing PTSD?

Experiencing a traumatic event is a primary risk factor for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after someone goes through or witnesses a traumatic event, such as military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults. The direct correlation between trauma exposure and the onset of PTSD has been well-established in psychological research, making it a crucial factor in understanding the disorder's development.

The experience of trauma itself activates psychological and physiological responses that can lead to the symptoms characteristic of PTSD, including intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal and reactivity. Thus, the occurrence of trauma serves as the foundation upon which PTSD can develop, underscoring its significance as a critical risk factor for this disorder.