Post Traumatic Stress Is a Risk Factor for Chronic Disease
February 15th, 2008 Posted by: Dr. Cox
(Ivanhoe Newswire) Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are just as likely to have long term health problems as people with chronic disease risk factors like high white blood cell counts. However, very few healthcare providers screen PTSD patients for these biological markers.
âExposure to trauma has not only psychological effects, but it can take a serious toll on a personâs health status and biological function as well,â said Geisinger Health Systems Senior Investigator Joseph Boscarino, PhD, MPH. âPTSD is a risk factor for disease that doctors should put on their radar screens.â
Geisinger is organizing a national conference scheduled for May 13 to address PTSD in combat veterans from rural parts of the country. But PTSD can also be experienced by people whoâve survived any traumatic event like an accident or natural disaster. All of its victims are predisposed to biological risk factors.
In this study Boscarino, a Vietnam veteran examined the health status of 4,462 male Vietnam-era veterans 30 years after their military service. The results showed that PTSD sufferers had an elevated white blood cell count which is a risk factor for disorders like leukemia. The study also showed that veterans with high rates of inflammation were at risk. Another possible indicator was serious neuroendocrine problems.
Blood tests are used to screen for disease markers but PTSD is measured with a psychological test or a mental health examination. Boscarino says that although it doesnât have to be extensive, PTSD patients should get therapy as soon as possible.
âAs the conflicts in the Middle East continue, weâre seeing a new wave of our service members who have posttraumatic stress. If we donât get these personnel help earlier, our research shows that they may experience more health problems down the road.
SOURCE: Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
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