Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Not all people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event develop PTSD; certain people may be more susceptible to the condition.

Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder may include:

• Comorbid conditions: Individuals with a history of mental illness or substance abuse may be more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event
• Experience of the event: If one’s experience of the traumatic event involved pain or extreme feelings of fear or helplessness, they may be more likely to develop PTSD
• Personal history: Additional stresses and a lack of social support following the traumatic event make PTSD more likely, as does previous trauma

Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at UT Health Austin

PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy, medication (e.g., antidepressants), or a combination of the two. Your clinician will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place to avoid having to schedule multiple appointments with providers at locations all over the city. Your care team will include specialists that are nationally recognized leaders at the forefront of their fields and may be comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

Your initial appointments will be scheduled with the team’s psychiatrist to collect a comprehensive history, clarify presenting concerns, and discuss potential treatment options. If warranted, treatment recommendations may include ongoing psychiatric care provided by a psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) and/or behavioral therapy services provided by a psychologist.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to better address all aspects of your condition. At the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, we create custom pathways to address you, the whole patient, by providing specialized treatment and management plans. Imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed.

Learn More About Your Care Team