Noteboom The Law Firm

PTSD Likely to Cause More Medical Illnesses

September 24, 2010 - There are a growing number of veterans with mental health issues returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. One of the most common diagnoses is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans suffering from PTSD are also more likely to have additional medical conditions than veterans without PTSD, according to new research. It may be necessary, then, to combine some medical treatment with mental health services for these veterans.

The study looked at information for more than 90,000 veterans using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care services. Researchers simply compared the amount of veterans with diagnosed medical issues in returning soldiers who have been diagnosed with PTSD against those veterans with no mental health issues.

Women diagnosed with PTSD were found to suffer from more lower spine disorders, headaches, and lower extremity joint disorders. Men with PTSD were more likely to suffer lower spine disorders, lower extremity joint disorders, and hearing problems.

Aside from being more likely to result in additional medical conditions, PTSD symptoms can include:

• Nightmares;
• Strong feelings of distress;
• Suicidal thoughts;
• Outbursts of anger; and
• Feeling emotionally numb and helpless.

Probably the best course of action is to attempt to treat the veteran as early as possible and keep a look out for additional medical conditions in veterans suffering from PTSD. Once medical care and mental health care are integrated into one approach in dealing with veterans with PTSD, it should be easier to give total mind and body care for a better quality of life.