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What are the risk factors for PTSD?

PTSD

A workplace accident in Wisconsin that poses a genuine threat of death or grievous bodily harm can result in post-traumatic stress disorder. However, you can also develop PTSD from multiple traumatic experiences that happen over time. Therefore, people in certain professions, such as law enforcement or emergency health care, may be at greater risk of developing PTSD than those in other careers.

If you have a particularly dangerous job or experience a traumatic workplace accident, you should know that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is not a foregone conclusion that you will develop PTSD. The condition affects approximately 7% to 8% of the population at one time or another.

Most people, even after experiencing a trauma, will not develop PTSD. However, you may be more likely to experience it if certain risk factors are present.

1. History of substance abuse and/or mental illness

If you have experienced psychological or behavioral problems in the past, you may be more susceptible to PTSD.

2. Additional stress

PTSD can lower your mental defenses, so if you experience another stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, shortly after the trauma, you may find it more difficult to cope.

3. Lack of social support

Surrounding yourself with caring and concerned people, such as friends and family members, can strengthen your defenses against PTSD.

4. Genetic predisposition

Variations in your DNA may make you more or less susceptible to post-traumatic stress.

5. Sex/gender

Though PTSD affects individuals of both genders, women seem to be slightly more susceptible than men.

The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.

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