Medical Conditions Associated With Ptsd

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a life-altering condition. It happens when a person experiences a traumatic incident like an accident, sexual assault, or domestic violence. For many people, recovery is out of the question, they cannot simply function anymore.

The worst case scenario for anyone struggling with PTSD is that it does not come alone. It often exposes the person who often brings along other medical or psychological conditions, such as obesity as secondary to PTSD, making recovery even more complex. Let’s take a closer look at six conditions commonly linked to PTSD, and how to get proper diagnosis and help.

More often than not, a person who has PTSD will be vulnerable to substance abuse disorder. Research shows that nearly 50% of people who have PTSD also struggle with substance abuse.

It starts as a way to cope with the terrible symptoms like intrusive memories or emotional pain. The person might use alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. Unfortunately, this self-medicating always almost worsens symptoms and leads to addiction.

Depression and PTSD often walk hand-in-hand. Studies find that nearly half of people who have PTSD also experience major depressive disorder. PTSD-induced trauma disrupts the brain chemistry, and leads to a “freeze” state that mirrors depressive symptoms, like fatigue and a persistent low mood.

PTSD can heighten anxiety and make routine activities feel overwhelming. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks and phobias, are all PTSD-related anxiety that manifest in many forms.

For instance, someone with PTSD may experience hypervigilance where they are constantly paranoid and open to threats. They also avoid situations that remind them of their trauma. These symptoms often overlap with common anxiety disorders and make it more hard to diagnose and treat.

Borderline personality disorder has symptoms such as emotional instability, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behaviors. It is also strongly tied to PTSD. Both BPD and PTSD are frequently linked to early trauma like childhood abuse. There is a strong connection between these disorders, with overlapping symptoms like intense anger, dissociation, and relationship challenges.

Trauma can cause a mental disconnect from reality during or after a traumatic event. This disconnect usually evolves into dissociative disorders, where people feel detached from their thoughts, emotions, or surroundings.

Symptoms might include depersonalization where they feel disconnected from their body or derealization where they feel like the world around them is unreal. Dissociation can complicate PTSD treatment, as patients may struggle to stay present during therapy.

Physical trauma like severe head injury can result in traumatic brain injuries that coexist with PTSD. This is especially common in military personnel or people who have experienced accidents or assaults. TBIs can amplify PTSD symptoms like memory problems, mood swings, and aggression and treating both conditions often requires an integrated approach to care.

If you or someone you love has PTSD, there are many things you can do to get better. First is to acknowledge that there is a problem. Have you noticed any strange symptoms and do they seem similar to the ones on this list? Then you should get a professional’s opinion.

At NuLife Behavioral Health, we understand the complexities of PTSD and all the related conditions. Unlike many other treatment centers, we specialize in addressing the major condition, in this case, PTSD and all of the secondary conditions that come with it like substance abuse disorder.

This approach means we target the root causes for lasting recovery. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step today by visiting Nulife Behavioral Health and discovering how we can help you reclaim your life.