Anxiety Disorders and Phobias

 
 

Who Is Most Likely To Develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?


Most people who are exposed to a traumatic, stressful event experience some of the symptoms of PTSD in the days and weeks following exposure. Available data suggest that about 8% of men and 20% of women go on to develop PTSD, and roughly 30% of these individuals develop a chronic form that persists throughout their lifetimes.

While no one is completely exempt from experiencing PTSD, some are more susceptible, including:

  • Those who experience greater stressor magnitude and intensity, unpredictability, uncontrollability, sexual (as opposed to nonsexual) victimization, real or perceived responsibility, and betrayal.


  • Those with prior vulnerability factors such as genetics, early age of onset and longer-lasting childhood trauma, lack of functional social support, and concurrent stressful life events.


  • Those who report greater perceived threat or danger, suffering or being upset, terror, and horror or fear.


  • Those with a social environment which produces shame, guilt, stigmatization, or self-hatred.