Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Emotional Health and Well-Being

"I didn't know why I needed to drink or wanted to drink. But Vietnam was never very far away when I did." — Vietnam veteran Ron Shepard

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) doesn't always occur alone. Other medical conditions, such as depression and alcohol abuse, often occur with it.¹⁵

• Alcohol and drug abuse occur with PTSD in both men and women. More than half of men with PTSD have a problem with alcohol. Alcohol also is a problem in women with PTSD.⁴
• Depression occurs more often than any other medical problem in women with PTSD, and it occurs often in men with PTSD.⁴
• Suicide may be a concern in people with PTSD.
• Anger and fear often occur in people with PTSD. Close to half of men with PTSD have problems with their behavior, such as uncontrolled anger.⁴
• Grief may affect post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People who have been through a traumatic event and also have lost a loved one may have symptoms of PTSD for a longer time than those who have not lost a loved one.¹⁶
• Panic attacks and feeling anxious often occur with PTSD.⁴
• Physical health problems also may be linked to PTSD.¹⁷

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Author:	Kate Copsey Paul Lehnert Ryan Powers	Last Updated: February 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine Tina Esther Bronner, MD - Internal Medicine Jessica Hamblen, PhD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Mara Kushner, CSW - Mental Health Care
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