Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder – an epidemiological study

Abstract

Introduction

Exposure to a traumatic event is necessary but not sufficient condition for development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is evident from the fact that many people who experience traumatic stressors do not develop this disorder. PTSD is a multicausal phenomenon and a final end point of the combination of a number of potential causes.

Objectives

To examine the different factors as potential risk factors for developing PTSD in general adult population.

Methods

The sample consisted of 640 subjects, randomly chosen in five regions of the country. The assessment has been carried out by MINI-5, Life Stressor Checklist-Revised, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life scale.

Results

Older age, low education and lower monthly income can predict current PTSD, as well as decreased quality of life, psychiatric comorbidity and higher personal distress.

Conclusions

The risk and resilience factors contribute to the development/protection of developing PTSD, which is important for prevention and treatment of this disorder.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.