PTSD Related Conditions The Relationship Between PTSD and Other Anxiety Disorders By Matthew Tull, PhD Matthew Tull, PhD Twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 27, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by David Susman, PhD Medically reviewed by David Susman, PhD David Susman, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience providing treatment to individuals with mental illness and substance use concerns. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print There's a clear relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders, such as substance use and anxiety or mood disorders. Get the facts about the link between PTSD, itself an anxiety disorder, and everything from acute stress disorder to panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. PTSD and Other Anxiety Disorders Luka Storm / Getty Images Besides PTSD, mental health disorders that are classified as anxiety disorders are acute stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with PTSD have been found to be at greater risk of having all of these disorders. This overview provides the rates of these anxiety disorders among people with PTSD. PTSD and Panic Disorder It is quite common for people with PTSD to experience panic attacks given that people with PTSD are at greater risk of developing panic disorder. In fact, around 7 percent of men and 13 percent of women with PTSD also have panic disorder—a rate much higher than what is found in the general population. Learn more about what panic disorder is as well as why PTSD and panic disorder may commonly co-occur. The Differences Between Panic Disorder and PTSD PTSD and Risk for Social Anxiety Disorder The symptoms of PTSD may make a person feel different, as though they can't relate or connect with others. In addition, many people with PTSD feel high levels of depression, shame, guilt, and self-blame. Therefore, it is not surprising that PTSD and social anxiety disorder frequently co-occur. Fortunately, there are very effective treatments available for both PTSD and social anxiety disorder. Learn more about the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder, its connection with PTSD and how one can get help for both conditions. The Link Between PTSD and Social Anxiety Disorder PTSD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Studies have found that anywhere between 4 percent and 22 percent of people with PTSD also have a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In addition, people with OCD also show a high likelihood of having experienced traumatic events. For example, one study found that 54 percent of people with a diagnosis of OCD report having experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. Although these rates are high, they are not entirely surprising. PTSD may make a person's life feel chaotic and out-of-control. The behaviors associated with OCD may initially help make a person feel more in control, safe and reduce anxiety. However, these strategies ultimately backfire, contributing to more anxiety and distress. The Link Between PTSD and OCD Acute Stress Disorder and Risk for Developing PTSD Acute stress disorder and PTSD often go hand-in-hand. This is because a diagnosis of PTSD can only be given one month after the experience of a traumatic event. Yet, it is likely that people may be experiencing PTSD-like symptoms soon after a traumatic event. Acute stress disorder describes the experience of PTSD-like symptoms immediately following a traumatic event. People diagnosed with acute stress disorder have been found to be at greater risk for eventually developing PTSD. Learn more about the symptoms of acute stress disorder and its connection with PTSD with this overview. All About Acute Stress By Matthew Tull, PhD Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist for PTSD Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.