PTSD Related Conditions Print How PTSD Relates to Physical Health Issues By 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 Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 23, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD on January 23, 2020 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children 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; however, in addition to these psychological difficulties, individuals with PTSD may also be more likely to experience physical health problems. PTSD and Physical Health Problems Studies have found that compared to those without PTSD, people with PTSD are more likely to experience a number of physical health problems including for example: 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 Issues Are Related Studies have found that there is something unique to PTSD (as opposed to simply being exposed to a traumatic event) that puts people at risk for developing physical health problems, and 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. PTSD puts tremendous physical and emotional strain on a person. For example, as mentioned previously, people with PTSD tend to experience a variety of stressful psychological difficulties such as depression and other anxiety disorders. In addition, 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. All of these factors may then combine to put tremendous strain and stress on a person's body, increasing the risk for physical health problems and illness. How to Improve Your Health If You Have PTSD If you have PTSD, your physical health may be at risk. That's why it is important to seek out treatment for PTSD. 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. PTSD Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor's appointment. Download PDF By reducing the psychological difficulties associated with PTSD, you may also reduce your risk of a number of physical health problems. 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 Article 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 Gros DF, Price M, Strachan M, Yuen EK, Milanak ME, Acierno R. Behavioral activation and therapeutic exposure: an investigation of relative symptom changes in PTSD and depression during the course of integrated behavioral activation, situational exposure, and imaginal exposure techniques. Behav Modif. 2012;36(4):580–599. doi:10.1177/0145445512448097 Additional Reading Boscarino, J.A., & Chang, J. (1999). Electrocardiogram abnormalities among men with stress-related psychiatric disorders: Implications for coronary heart disease and clinical research. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 21, 227-234. Boscarino, J.A. (1997). Diseases among men 20 years after exposure to severe stress: Implications for clinical research and medical care. Psychosomatic Medicine, 59, 605-614. Clum, G.A., Calhoun, K.S., & Kimerling, R. (2000). Associations among symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder and self-reported health in sexually assaulted women. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 188, 671-678. Goodwin, R.D., & Davidson, J.R. (2005). Self-reported diabetes and posttraumatic stress disorder among adults in the community. Preventive Medicine, 40, 570-575. Green, B.L., & Kimerling, R. (2004). Trauma, PTSD, and health status. In P.P. Schurr & B.L. Green (Eds.), Physical health consequences of exposure to extreme stress (pp. 13-42). Washington DC: American Psychological Association. Kimerling, R., Clum, G.A., & Wolfe, J. (2000). Relationships among trauma exposure, chronic posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and self-reported health in women: Replication and extension. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 13, 115-128. Norman, S.B., Means-Christensen, A.J., Craske, M.G., Sherbourne, C.D., Roy-Byrne, P.P., & Stein, M.B. (2006). Associations between psychological trauma and physical illness in primary care. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19, 461-470. Schnurr, P.P., & Green, B.L. (2004). Understanding relationships among trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and health outcomes. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 20, 18-29. Schnurr, P.P., Friedman, M.J., Sengupta, A., Jankowski, M.K., & Holmes, T. (2000). PTSD and utilization of medical treatment services among male Vietnam veterans. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 188, 496-504. Schnurr, P.P., Spiro III, A., & Paris, A.H. (2000). Physician-diagnosed medical disorders in relation to PTSD symptoms in older male military veterans. Health Psychology, 19, 91-97.