The Causes of PTSD
Understanding the causes of PTSD allows for targeted interventions that address specific triggers (and mechanisms) of the disorder.
Researchers aren’t fully aware of what causes PTSD. However, like many mental health conditions, it likely gets triggered by a combination of factors. These include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Inherited Mental Health Risks. If mental health issues like depression and anxiety run in your family, you might be more susceptible to developing PTSD. Genetics can influence how you react to trauma.
- Past Trauma. The type and severity of traumatic experiences you’ve encountered in your life play a significant role. These experiences can set the stage for how your mind and body respond to future stress.
- Brain Chemistry. How your brain regulates chemicals and hormones in response to stress is crucial. For instance, if your body releases too much or too little cortisol (the stress hormone) and other neurotransmitters during and after a traumatic event, it can impact your likelihood of developing PTSD.
- Personality Traits. Your temperament – the unique way you naturally respond to the world – can also affect your vulnerability to PTSD. For instance, some people may be more sensitive to painful events (think HSP personality types) than others.
How PTSD Affects Your Body and Brain
Most people who go through trauma do not develop PTSD.
The National Center for PTSD mentions that 6 out of 100 people experience this condition (that makes up about 6% of the US population).
Researchers aren’t certain why people have different responses to trauma. However, those suffering from this condition experience certain brain changes. A few people also develop abnormal levels of some hormones and neurotransmitters.
What Happens Inside When Trauma Strikes
Why do some people get PTSD while others don’t? Health experts believe it has to do with how our brains respond to stress. People with PTSD tend to have unusual levels of certain chemicals and hormones in their systems.
For instance, they often show normal or low levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Meanwhile, their corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) levels stay high even under stress.
This CRF triggers the release of norepinephrine, intensifying the body’s “fight or flight” response.
This response is a natural reaction our bodies have when we face danger. When something scary or threatening happens, our bodies quickly prepare us to either fight the danger or run away from it.
That’s why, in some cases, people experience higher blood pressure, faster heartbeats, and a consistent feeling of being on the edge. These responses help us react quickly and stay safe.
How PTSD Rewires the Brain
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Beyond the brain chemicals, PTSD can actually change the structure of your brain. Here’s how.
- The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions and fear, can become overly sensitive.
- The Hippocampus, which helps with learning, emotions, and memory, can shrink in size.
- The part of your brain that normally helps control emotional reactions – the medial prefrontal cortex – may also shrink and become less effective in people with PTSD.
PTSD Risk Factors
PTSD can affect people of all ages. However, certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing the condition after experiencing a stressful or traumatic event.
- Intensity and duration of trauma. Experiencing severe or prolonged trauma can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD. The more intense the experience, the greater the impact on mental health.
- Occupational exposure. Certain jobs, like military personnel and first responders, expose individuals to frequent traumatic events. This occupational hazard can increase the risk of developing PTSD.
- Substance misuse. Problems with excessive drinking or drug use can also increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event. Substance misuse can complicate recovery and exacerbate symptoms of PTSD.
- Lack of support. A strong support system of family and friends can provide a buffer against the effects of trauma. Conversely, lacking this support can leave individuals more vulnerable to developing PTSD.
PTSD Diagnosis Criteria
Diagnosing PTSD isn’t as simple as running a lab test. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a comprehensive evaluation based on your symptoms, medical and mental health history, and exposure to trauma.
Here’s what the doctor may ask about during your appointment.
- Symptoms. They’ll inquire about specific symptoms you’re experiencing, such as intrusive thoughts, reactivity, or avoidance behaviors.
- Trauma Exposure. Discussing the traumatic event(s) you’ve encountered is crucial. The exposure can happen in different ways:
- You experienced the traumatic event firsthand
- You saw the traumatic event happen to others
- You’re exposed to the distressing details of traumatic events regularly (for instance, if you’re a first responder to such scenes)
- You learned that someone close to you went through a traumatic event
- Medical and Mental Health History. Understanding your past medical issues and any prior mental health conditions helps paint a complete picture of your health.
To make a diagnosis, health professionals refer to the PTSD diagnosis criteria highlighted in the American Psychological Association’s DSM-5-TR. This manual outlines the specific symptoms required for a PTSD diagnosis, which must persist for at least one month. These include:
- Intrusive thoughts
- Negative changes in mood and thinking
- Avoidance behaviors
- Increased arousal and reactivity
Additional Assessments
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In some cases, your health practitioner may conduct a physical exam or order tests like blood work to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
This structured approach allows them to accurately diagnose PTSD and develop a personalized treatment plan to support your recovery journey.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been through a traumatic event, seeking professional help is an important step towards managing PTSD effectively.
PTSD Diagnosis Code
The PTSD diagnosis code is specified in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system. It is used globally for medical coding and billing. In the current edition, ICD-10, the code for PTSD is F43.12.
Healthcare providers and insurance companies use this code to document and classify cases of PTSD in medical records and healthcare claims. It helps streamline communication and ensure accurate recognition and treatment of PTSD.
Conclusion
Understanding PTSD causes and diagnosis reveals a lot about what people go through after experiencing trauma. However, it’s not always the event itself; factors like our genes and how we handle stress play a role, too.
When doctors diagnose PTSD, they listen closely to your story and observe how your symptoms match with PTSD diagnosis criteria.
Effective treatment involves working on both the body and mind, which requires community support besides professional help. Caring about each others experiences can help us find better ways to help those dealing with PTSD find peace again.
FAQs
Q1. Is PTSD a Mental Illness?
Yes, PTSD qualifies as a mental illness that may get triggered after a traumatic event. Common symptoms include anxiety, flashbacks, and severe emotional distress.
Q2. Does PTSD Affect Memory?
Yes, people with PTSD often experience memory problems. For instance, they may find it challenging to recall certain parts of the traumatic event or sometimes everyday details.
These memory issues are related to the way trauma impacts the brain (particularly the area involved in processing and storing memories)
Q3. Can PTSD Go Away Naturally?
PTSD often improves over time. However, in most cases, it requires treatment to fully go away. While some people may notice their symptoms lessen naturally, others may continue to struggle without professional help.
