Association of posttraumatic stress disorder with somatic symptoms, health care visits, and absenteeism among Iraq war veterans
Author: Hoge CW, Terhakopian A, Castro CA, Messer SC, Engel CC.
Source:
American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(1), 150-153.
OBJECTIVE: Studies of soldiers from prior wars conducted many years after combat
have shown associations between combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and physical health problems. The current Iraq war has posed a
considerable PTSD risk, but the association with physical health has not been
well studied. METHOD: The authors studied 2,863 soldiers using standardized
self-administered screening instruments 1 year after their return from combat
duty in Iraq. RESULTS: Among all participants, 16.6% met screening criteria for
PTSD. PTSD was significantly associated with lower ratings of general health,
more sick call visits, more missed workdays, more physical symptoms, and high
somatic symptom severity. These results remained significant after control for
being wounded or injured. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of PTSD and its strong
association with physical health problems among Iraq war veterans have important
implications for delivery of medical services. The medical burden of PTSD
includes physical health problems; combat veterans with serious somatic concerns
should be evaluated for PTSD.