STRIEGEL-MOORE: We found that in my studies and others have found that, you know, physical abuse, sexual abuse, other severe types of trauma can increase risk for an eating disorder.

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It is so important that we find competent professional help for those at risk following a trauma, because early intervention, which can take the form of medications, therapy or a combination of the two, can really help people metabolize their horror and loss in ways that will provide them with a significantly happier and less impaired future.

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The pervasive nature of this trauma could translate into an increased risk for Black women and girls to experience depression, PTSD and addiction, common symptoms experienced by many survivors of rape.

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More at risk for lingering psychological effects are people who've previously been exposed to trauma, whether from the battlefield, a car crash or a hurricane.

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Another study from the May issue of Radiology found that among patients ages 18 to 35 undergoing chest CTs and abdominal CTs for cancer, trauma and abdominal pain, the short-term risk of dying from an underlying condition was 7.1% and 3.9%, respectively, compared with long-term risk from radiation-induced cancer of 0.1%.

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Many of the players also share a genetic risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, so perhaps deposits of tau are the result of brain trauma coupled with the weakened ability of the brain to repair itself.

NEWYORKER: Offensive Play

On the other hand, the medical community has moved forward "light years" in its understanding and ability to handle other risk factors for substance abuse, such as ADHD, impulse control challenges, mental health concerns like anxiety or significant trauma, which may have occurred prior to the child coming into the family -- all of which are risk factors for substance abuse, says Albers.

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