Post-traumatic stress disorder, known as PTSD, affects around 7% of Veterans at some point throughout their life, according to data from the US Department of Veteran Affairs. This common mental health condition is well known throughout the Veteran community. But did you know PTSD can also cause or worsen physical health conditions, too?
In this blog, we'll go over how PTSD can worsen physical health conditions. If you or a Veteran you know has PTSD, keep reading:
What is PTSD?
As defined by the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is "is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event". This event can be either experienced or witnessed – leading to flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and frequent thoughts about the traumatic event.
The most common symptoms of PTSD include:
Uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatizing event
Emotional distress, especially when triggered by similar settings
Nightmares and sleep disturbances
Flashbacks and anxiety
How PTSD impacts physical health
While PTSD's symptoms are largely recognized as mental, it's possible that it can also worsen physical health – and specific bodily systems. Research has revealed that the following body systems can be impacted by PTSD:
PTSD and heart conditions
According to research from the VA, studies have found links between PTSD and poor heart health. Between circulatory disorders and other cardiovascular disturbances, Veteran populations with PTSD have experienced a range of different heart conditions. One study compared the heart functions of Vietnam Veterans with PTSD versus Veterans without, finding a correlation between diminished heart health and the condition.
PTSD and the GI system
The link between PTSD and the GI system hasn't been researched as thoroughly as with the cardiovascular system – but one study referenced by the VA found a link between civilian men with PTSD and gastrointestinal symptoms.
PTSD and sleep disorders
Not only can PTSD cause sleep disturbances due to severe anxiety and nightmares – it is also medically connected to sleep apnea. These two conditions perpetuate each other, worsening the symptoms of each as time and severity goes on. The good news is, one study has proven that Veterans who treat their sleep apnea are likely to improve their PTSD symptoms as well.
PTSD and musculoskeletal conditions
Research from BMC Public Health found that severe PTSD increased the probability of musculoskeletal symptoms (injuries to the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints) by 34%.
So, not only can PTSD be a debilitating mental health condition – it can also cause or worsen physical health conditions that can impact a Veteran's daily life.
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