Extensive research has been put in place to determine why some people are more susceptible or predisposed to developing PTSD than others. A report from Harvard University shows that 30 percent of PTSD cases were explained by genetics.The evidence gathered showed identical twins with a smaller hippocampus were more likely to develop PTSD following these kinds of tragic events. The initial studies show a correlation between genetics and developing the condition.The report goes on to say that symptoms overlap and other similarities with panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Paying attention to these other disorders is important for genetic studies. There is also a focus on genetics that play a role in creating “fear memories” and understanding how these memories are created and finding interventions for treatment.The focus on PTSD has grown exponentially over the years, and it’s partly because the number of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who are experiencing PTSD. One thing that is clear is that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. More research is necessary to determine its root cause, but these initial studies released from Harvard shed some light that genetics do play a role. There are other influences, such as mental illness, childhood trauma, and poor social support. Changes in the brain may also cause PTSD, but more research is needed.