The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast
PTSD 101: Causes
Aug 26, 2024
Explore the intriguing reasons why some individuals develop PTSD after trauma while others do not. Learn about the risk factors and the significant differences in symptoms between veterans and sexual assault survivors. Delve into the brain's fear response and why traditional treatments may not always be effective. Discover how PTSD can influence brain structure, including the shrinkage of the hippocampus, and the potential for its effects to span generations. Plus, a look at aerobic exercise's benefits for brain health.
17:38
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Quick takeaways
- The disparity in PTSD rates between genders highlights the complex interplay of risk factors like social support and childhood adversity.
- Research on brain alterations in PTSD reveals that the amygdala's heightened fear response and impaired recovery mechanisms are critical to understanding the disorder.
Deep dives
Understanding the Prevalence of PTSD
Trauma affects a significant majority of the population, with estimates suggesting that around 70% of people experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. However, despite the high incidence of trauma, only a small percentage, approximately 7%, develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Factors such as gender also play a crucial role, with studies indicating that women are at a higher risk, experiencing PTSD rates two to three times that of men. This disparity highlights the complexity of trauma responses, where brief symptoms may manifest temporarily, or in some cases, symptoms can lead to different psychiatric disorders without fulfilling PTSD criteria.
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