PTSD Associated with Higher Risk for Post-Surgery Death

PTSD has been found to be associated with a number of physical health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and poor cardiovascular health. In addition, the symptoms of PTSD often lead to behaviors that may have a negative impact on a person's health, such as smoking or alcohol use. It is not surprising then that a recent study by Dr. Marek Brzezinski and colleagues at the University of California, San Franciso, found that veterans with PTSD may be at greater risk to die within a year following surgery as compared to those without PTSD. Specifically, they found that approximately 9% of veterans with PTSD died following surgery whereas only 7% of patients without PTSD died within a year after surgery. These findings are concerning and demonstrate the far-reaching impact of a PTSD diagnosis. They also demonstrate the importance of seeking out treatment for PTSD symptoms. You can read more about the study at CNN.com.