A recent study indicates that those who are chronic worriers are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following traumatic events. The findings suggest that prior frequent worrying is an important risk factor that needs to be accounted for after a patient experiences trauma so that health care professionals can respond accordingly.
This is the first study of its kind to follow patients prior to suffering PTSD. In this recent study, test patients were given baseline tests evaluating their neuroticism and then given follow-up assessments at three, five and ten years after the baseline. What the study indicated was that those who had a higher score on the neuroticism scale at their initial assessment were more likely to suffer from PTSD than their counterparts.
Prior testing of PTSD has always been retrospective in that they have tested after the subject suffers a traumatic experience. This test, by assessing prior, during, and post PTSD, gives an accurate timeline and event indicators that researchers can study and evaluate with more precision. These findings, while unable to do much to prevent the occurrence of PTSD, do assist the healthcare profession in taking more care when a patient who has suffered a traumatic event has also experienced prior psychological disorders. Knowing that certain patients are more susceptible to PTSD following a traumatic experience can assist in providing proper preventative care.
Those who suffer from neuroticism, which manifests itself in personality traits such as chronic anxiety, depression, and tendencies to overreact at daily challenges and disappointments, should seek medical assistance in order to best treat these symptoms. If they become debilitating or result in PTSD which prevents you from performing at a functional capacity in order to maintain substantial gainful employment, please reach out to an attorney practiced in the area of Social Security Disability law. They may be able to assist you in obtaining the Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income (SSD/SSI) benefits that are available to you.
Source: Medical Daily, “Chronic Worriers At Higher Risk of PTSD, Prospective Study Confirms,” Christine Hsu, Dec. 18, 2012
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