Neurobiological Risk Factors and Predictors of Vulnerability and Resilience to PTSD

The risk of developing PTSD following a traumatic experience depends on several vulnerability factors that may be classified into three distinct categories: pre-traumatic, peri-traumatic, and posttraumatic vulnerability factors. Accordingly, while we attempted to create a profile of the high-risk PTSD patient, the following factors should be included, among others: small hippocampus, previously altered HPA axis, vulnerable genetic profile, associated body injury, increased post-trauma noradrenergic activity. Some protective factors have been identified and included, but are not limited to coping, resources (e.g., social support, self-esteem, optimism), and finding meaning. Finally, human beings are resilient and in general are able to cope with adverse situations. Therefore, discovering possible resilience factors may assist in identifying the patients at risk and may contribute to developing the strategies to prevent the development of PTSD.