Naslov
Physical health in veterans with chronic combat related posttraumatic stress disorder

Autori
Braš, Marijana ; Filaković, Pavo ; Lončar, Zoran

Izvornik
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology (1461-1457) 7 (2004);

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, kongresno priopcenje, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
physical health; veterans; PTSD

Sažetak
Research suggests that a relationship exist between exposure to traumatic events, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor physical health. PTSD is the likely cause for a substantial part of the observed association between trauma and adverse health outcomes. PTSD may promote poor health through a complex interaction between biological, psychological and behavioural mechanisms. The aim of the study was to assess physical health among Croatian veterans with a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. METHODS: The 155 Croatian veterans with diagnoses of chronic combat-related PTSD, who were hospitally treated at the Psychiatric Clinic, Osijek, Croatia, in a period from 2002 to 2004 were selected as the sample for this study. Patients included in the study were male (93, 55%) and female (6, 45%), between 25 and 56 years old, and they had been in direct combat or high stress combat support roles for a minimum of 3 consecutive months during the war in Croatia, with diagnosis of chronic PTSD according to DSM-IV. The data in this study are cross sectional and the reporting is retrospective. Medical morbidity (physician diagnosed medical disorder or laboratory tests), psychiatric co-morbidity and pharmacotherapy were analysed through hospital records. RESULTS: The specific health problems in veterans with PTSD implicate a variety of organ systems. Cardiovascular problems was found in 54 (34, 84%) veterans, gastrointestinal in 60 (38, 71%) and musculoskeletal in 65 (41, 94%) veterans. Dermatological problems was found in 14 (9, 03%) veterans and among other examined medical conditions were endocrinological, problems, otorinolaryngological and respiratory problems. Veterans with physical problems was more likely to have comorbide depression or anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to trauma and PTSD is related to poor physical health which may involve a variety of bodily systems. Among veterans with PTSD, chronicity and comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders increase risk of poor physical health. The integrated medical care in PTSD treatment is important, because of the harmful effects of PTSD on health.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA