Many events can cause PTSD. They include: military combat, violent personal assault (i.e., sexual assault, robbery, mugging), being kidnapped or taken hostage, terrorist attack, torture, incarceration as a prisoner of war or in a concentration camp, natural or manmade disasters, and automobile accidents. Being diagnosed with a frightening illness or even hearing that your child has been diagnosed with a serious illness can also cause PTSD.
Children may develop PTSD after inappropriate sexual experiences even without the explicit threat of death or injury. One can develop PTSD as a result of witnessing or even just learning about a serious injury, unnatural death, violent personal assault or serious accident of a family member or close friend.
