Other Problems

It is not uncommon to find persons with PTSD also have co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse, depression or physical problems. Often, doctors treat symptoms of PTSD without being aware that they stem from PTSD. For this reason, it is important that the treating physician be made aware of any psychologically distressing event their patients may have experienced. Treatment success is increased when the underlying cause or co-occuring disorder is appropriately diagnosed. ¹⁷

Comorbidity of substance abuse and PTSD has historically made diagnosis and treatment more difficult for licensed practitioners. Patients with comorbidity tend to exhibit more severe symptoms with less response to treatment. Substance abuse withdrawal syndrome can heighten awareness of PTSD symptoms resulting in a conditioned reminder of the traumatic events. This reminder reinforces the use of alcohol and other substances.⁶

Other problems faced by persons with PTSD include:

Depression

Depression is common when there is an inability to resolve painful feelings.¹

Guilt

Some people may feel guilty especially if they survived a disaster and friends or family did not. ¹

“Self medicating”

Persons with PTSD may “self-medicate” to temporarily dull or forget the pain of a traumatic experience. ¹

Suicide

Persons with PTSD may show poor control over their impulses and may be at risk for suicide or other risky behaviors.¹

Physical Ailments

Headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, immune system problems, fatigue, lower back pain, cardiovascular problems, dizziness, chills, heart palpitations or discomfort in other parts of the body are all common in PTSD patients.¹⁶

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