Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

PTSD is often associated with military veterans who have experienced combat, but it can also affect individuals who have experienced other types of trauma such as sexual assault, natural disasters or accidents. While severity of combat exposure has been established as the strongest predictor of whether the soldiers develop PTSD, recent research has shown that pre conflict vulnerability is just as important in predicting the persistence of the syndrome over the long run.

The research study considered three primary factors: the severity of combat exposure, pre-conflict vulnerabilities, and the involvement in harming civilians or prisoners. The study found that while traumatic experiences during combat predicted the onset of PTSD symptoms, pre-conflict psychological vulnerabilities were equally important for predicting whether the symptoms persisted over the long term.

The severity of combat exposure refers to life-threatening experiences or traumatic events during combat. The data indicated that stressful combat exposure was necessary for the onset of PTSD, as 98% of the veterans who developed PTSD had experienced one or more traumatic events. However, combat exposure alone was not sufficient to cause PTSD. Of the soldiers who experienced any potentially traumatic combat exposures, only 31.6% developed PTSD. When the researchers limited their analysis to the soldiers who experienced the most severe traumatic exposures, there was still a substantial proportion of about 30% that did not develop the disorder.

This suggests that there were other factors and vulnerabilities involved for the minority of exposed who did end up developing

PTSD. Pre-conflict vulnerabilities, such as childhood experiences of physical abuse, were found to be strong contributors to PTSD onset. Men who were younger than 25 when they entered the conflict were also found to be seven times more likely to develop PTSD compared to older men. Additionally, soldiers who inflicted harm on civilians or prisoners of war were much more likely to develop PTSD.

The combined data from all three primary factors — combat exposure, pre-conflict vulnerability, and involvement in harming civilians or prisoners — revealed that PTSD onset reached an estimated 97% for veterans high on all three. This highlights the need for an integrated approach to PTSD prevention and management that takes into account pre-existing vulnerabilities and the specific experiences of individuals during combat.

It is important to note that PTSD is a treatable condition and there are various evidence-based treatments available. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy. Seeking treatment early can greatly improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of developing long-term symptoms.

In conclusion, while severity of combat exposure is a major predictor of PTSD, pre-conflict vulnerabilities and involvement in harming civilians or prisoners are equally important in predicting the persistence of PTSD over the long run. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to PTSD prevention and management that takes into account pre-existing vulnerabilities and the specific experiences of individuals during combat. It is important for individuals who have experienced trauma to seek treatment and support, as early intervention can greatly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of developing long-term symptoms.

For those looking for support, our therapy services are available to provide effective and compassionate care to those living with PTSD. Book an appointment with us today to take the first step towards healing.