What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly triggered by?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly triggered by exposure to a traumatic event. This typically includes experiences that involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, whether it happens directly to the individual or is witnessed by them. The nature of such events can lead to intense psychological distress, manifesting as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and other symptoms associated with PTSD. The diagnosis of PTSD specifically requires that the individual has experienced these distressing symptoms following a traumatic incident, making exposure to a traumatic event a fundamental factor in the development of the disorder.

The incorrect answers point to factors that are not direct triggers of PTSD. Social isolation and difficulty managing stress can contribute to mental health issues, but they are not the primary catalysts for PTSD. Similarly, while physical illness can impact mental health, it does not align with the specific criteria for triggering PTSD, which is rooted in psychological trauma rather than chronic or acute physical conditions.