risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder

Etiology

General risk factors:

• female sex
• previous trauma
• childhood separation from parents
• family instability
• predisposing mental health condition
• the type & severity of the trauma
• lack of support after trauma

Elderly:

• diminished personal coping skills
• cognitive impairment
• lessened social support
• reduced financial resources to replace material loss
• age-related stressors
  • bereavement (death of a spouse)
  • physical disability
  • relocation to a care environment (nursing home)