PTSD Related Conditions How PTSD Relates to Physical Health Issues 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 January 23, 2020 Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD LinkedIn Twitter Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print milan2099 / Getty Images People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience a number of psychological difficulties such as depression, other anxiety disorders, and substance use-related problems. In addition to these psychological issues, individuals with PTSD may also be more likely to experience physical health problems. Studies have found that compared to those without PTSD, people with PTSD are more likely to experience health problems including: ArthritisHeart-related problems and diseaseRespiratory system-related problems and diseaseDigestive problems and diseaseReproductive system-related problemsDiabetesPain Given the number of physical health problems found to be associated with PTSD, it is not surprising that people with PTSD have been found to use and seek health care more than people without PTSD. How PTSD and Physical Health Are Related There is something unique to having PTSD (as opposed to simply being exposed to a traumatic event) that puts people at risk for developing physical health problems. A number of theories have been proposed to explain this connection. It has been suggested that a variety of factors interact to increase the risk for physical health problems among people with PTSD. People with PTSD may engage in more risky and health-compromising behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use. The hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD may also put someone in a constant state of stress and anxiety. Factors like these combine to put tremendous strain and stress on a person's body, increasing the risk for physical health problems and illness. Improve Your Health If You Have PTSD If you have PTSD it is important to seek out treatment. The Anxiety Disorder Association of America provides a list of therapists across the United States who specialize in the treatment of PTSD. By speaking with a mental health professional, you are already making progress in coping with your PTSD. By reducing the psychological difficulties associated with PTSD, you may also reduce your risk of physical health problems. PTSD Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor's appointment. Download PDF As part of your treatment for PTSD, it may also be important to start focusing on living a healthier lifestyle. A healthy diet, exercise, and eliminating bad habits (for example, stopping smoking) may not only improve your health but also your mood. Behavioral activation is one technique that provides an easy way to increase the level of activity in your life, help you meet your goals, and can reduce PTSD symptoms. PTSD: Symptoms and Diagnosis Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Javidi H, Yadollahie M. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Int J Occup Environ Med. 2012;3(1):2–9. Qureshi SU, Pyne JM, Magruder KM, Schulz PE, Kunik ME. The link between post-traumatic stress disorder and physical comorbidities: A systematic review. Psychiatr Q. 2009;80(2):87–97. doi:10.1007/s11126-009-9096-4 Gilpin NW, Weiner JL. Neurobiology of comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol-use disorder. Genes Brain Behav. 2017;16(1):15–43. doi:10.1111/gbb.12349 Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI J. 2017;16:1057–1072. doi:10.17179/excli2017-480 Additional Reading Boscarino JA, Chang J. Electrocardiogram abnormalities among men with stress-related psychiatric disorders: implications for coronary heart disease and clinical research. Ann Behav Med. 1999;21(3):227-34. doi:10.1007/bf02884839 Boscarino JA. Diseases among men 20 years after exposure to severe stress: implications for clinical research and medical care. Psychosom Med. 1997;59(6):605-14. doi:10.1097/00006842-199711000-00008 Clum GA, Calhoun KS, Kimerling R. Associations among symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder and self-reported health in sexually assaulted women. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2000;188(10):671-8. doi:10.1097/00005053-200010000-00005 Goodwin RD, Davidson JR. Self-reported diabetes and posttraumatic stress disorder among adults in the community. Prev Med. 2005;40(5):570-4. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.07.013 Green BL, Kimerling R. Trauma, PTSD, and health status. In: Schurr PP, Green BL, eds. Physical health consequences of exposure to extreme stress (pp. 13-42). American Psychological Association, 2004. Kimerling R, Clum GA, Wolfe J. Relationships among trauma exposure, chronic posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and self-reported health in women: replication and extension. J Trauma Stress. 2000;13(1):115-28. Norman SB, Means-christensen AJ, Craske MG, Sherbourne CD, Roy-Byrne PP, Stein MB. Associations between psychological trauma and physical illness in primary care. J Trauma Stress. 2006;19(4):461-70. doi:10.1002/jts.20129 Schnurr PP, Friedman MJ, Sengupta A, Jankowski MK, Holmes T. PTSD and utilization of medical treatment services among male Vietnam veterans. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2000;188(8):496-504. doi:10.1097/00005053-200008000-00004 Schnurr PP, Green BL. Understanding relationships among trauma, post-tramatic stress disorder, and health outcomes. Adv Mind Body Med. 2004;20(1):18-29. Schnurr PP, Spiro A, Paris AH. Physician-diagnosed medical disorders in relation to PTSD symptoms in older male military veterans. Health Psychol. 2000;19(1):91-7. doi:10.1037//0278-6133.19.1.91 Speak to a Therapist for PTSD Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.