Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after someone experiences or witnesses a deeply distressing or life-threatening event. The main causes of PTSD are linked to situations that overwhelm a person’s sense of safety, control, or ability to cope. One of the most common causes is exposure to violence, including physical assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, or mugging. These events can create intense fear, helplessness, and long-lasting emotional distress. Combat exposure and military trauma are also major causes, as service members may face repeated life-threatening situations, explosions, or the loss of fellow soldiers.

Accidents and natural disasters are additional causes of PTSD. Serious car crashes, workplace accidents, fires, earthquakes, floods, or building collapses can leave survivors with overwhelming memories and fear responses long after the event. Medical trauma, such as a life-threatening illness, emergency surgery, or time spent in intensive care, can also trigger PTSD, especially when the person feels powerless or terrified during treatment.

Childhood trauma is another significant cause. Children who experience abuse, neglect, or chronic exposure to conflict are at higher risk of developing PTSD later in life because early trauma can shape the brain’s stress response. PTSD can also arise from witnessing trauma, such as seeing violence, a severe accident, or the sudden death of someone else. A person does not always have to directly experience danger for trauma to have lasting psychological effects.

It is important to note that not everyone who goes through a traumatic event develops PTSD. Factors such as previous trauma, lack of support, genetic vulnerability, or pre-existing mental health challenges can increase the likelihood. Understanding the main causes of PTSD helps people recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate support. Effective treatments, including trauma-focused therapy, EMDR, and counseling, can significantly improve recovery.