The Effect of PTSD on Physical Health
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Keywords
PTSD, health, veterans, physical
Biography
I am a psychology major and a senior in my last semester. Psychology has always been an interest of mine and that becomes more true as I continue my education. My most prominent interest within psychology is studying the veteran population.
Major
Psychology
Advisor for this project
Dr. Penny Koontz
Abstract
Abstract
This literature review examines the affects Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has on physical health, specifically in the veteran population. It is expected that PTSD will have a negative effect on physical health in perspective of long-term quality of life. PTSD has multiple criterion it is diagnosed by. Some of the studies included in this review contain results from groups with certain criterion met, results from groups with subthreshold or full threshold PTSD, and results from groups with PSTD and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). Criterion B (re-experiencing) analyses showed association with decreased physical health and experiencing bodily pain, while Criterion D (hyper-arousal) analyses showed association with decreased energy and poorer perception of emotional health. Both groups of veterans with full-threshold or subthreshold PTSD had increased odds of having a sleep disorder and respiratory conditions, but differed when examining specific diseases (diabetes, osteoporosis, and more). PTSD and PTSS in veterans are both a significant factor in the severity and frequency of general health symptoms and medical conditions, pain, and cardio-respiratory and gastrointestinal health symptoms than comparison groups. Predominantly, all forms of PTSD have negative effects on one’s physical health and functioning. PTSD is a catalyst for physical, mental, and emotional health problems. Further research should explore further into specific criterion or symptoms that allow PTSD to act as a catalyst and if those findings can be treated.
The Effect of PTSD on Physical Health
Abstract
This literature review examines the affects Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has on physical health, specifically in the veteran population. It is expected that PTSD will have a negative effect on physical health in perspective of long-term quality of life. PTSD has multiple criterion it is diagnosed by. Some of the studies included in this review contain results from groups with certain criterion met, results from groups with subthreshold or full threshold PTSD, and results from groups with PSTD and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). Criterion B (re-experiencing) analyses showed association with decreased physical health and experiencing bodily pain, while Criterion D (hyper-arousal) analyses showed association with decreased energy and poorer perception of emotional health. Both groups of veterans with full-threshold or subthreshold PTSD had increased odds of having a sleep disorder and respiratory conditions, but differed when examining specific diseases (diabetes, osteoporosis, and more). PTSD and PTSS in veterans are both a significant factor in the severity and frequency of general health symptoms and medical conditions, pain, and cardio-respiratory and gastrointestinal health symptoms than comparison groups. Predominantly, all forms of PTSD have negative effects on one’s physical health and functioning. PTSD is a catalyst for physical, mental, and emotional health problems. Further research should explore further into specific criterion or symptoms that allow PTSD to act as a catalyst and if those findings can be treated.
