1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

PTSD and Your Health

A diagnosis of PTSD can have a major impact on your health. Learn about the relationship between PTSD and a number of health-related problems.
Sleep Problems When You Have PTSD
Learn more about the types and causes of sleep problems that people with PTSD often experience.
The Connection between PTSD and Physical Health
People with PTSD may be at risk to experience a variety of psychological problems, such as depression, other anxiety disorders, and drug and alcohol use problems; however, PTSD can also have an impact on your physical health. In fact, people with PTSD have been found to be at greater risk for developing a number of physical health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. You can …
Is There a Connection between PTSD and Your Health?
Can PTSD influence your physical health? Learn the answer to this question here.
The Connection Between PTSD and Pain
It is common for PTSD and pain to co-occur. Learn more about the connection between PTSD and the experience of pain.
PTSD and Heart Disease Risk
In addition to mental health problems, it has also been found that PTSD increases risk for heart disease and premature death. Learn more about the link between heart disease and PTSD.
Physical Health of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
Studies have shown that many Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are experiencing difficulties with PTSD, depression, alcohol use and anger. A recent study, though, also found that these veterans may also be at risk for a number of physical health problems.
PTSD and Obesity
People with PTSD have been found to also have a number of physical health problems. This may be due to the fact that there are high rates of obesity among people with PTSD. Learn more about the connection between PTD and obesity, as well as what you can do to build a healthier lifestyle.
Stress, Trauma, and Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, and there is evidence that the experience of traumatic life events may increase risk for breast cancer and its progression. Learn more about the relationship between trauma and breast cancer.
Risk for PTSD Due to Cancer
Having cancer can be considered a traumatic event and, therefore, not surprisingly, it has been found to be associated with the development of PTSD. Learn about the link between cancer and a PTSD diagnosis here.
PTSD among Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Parents
Childhood cancer and its treatment may have long-lasting effects on the mental health of the child and his or her parents. Childhood cancer survivors and their parents have been found to exhibit heightened rates of PTSD. Learn about childhood cancer and PTSD, as well as how to cope with the illness.
Health Problems among People with PTSD and Diabetes
People with PTSD have been found to have higher rates of diabetes. Read about a study that examined different health-related problems among people with both PTSD and diabetes.
PTSD and Physical Health
People with PTSD may be at risk for a number of physical health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, migraines, and pain. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and physical health problems.
PTSD and HIV/AIDS
Medical advances in the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS in the last decade has considerably improved the health and quality of life of people living with this illness. Increased attention is now also being paid to how PTSD may impact the course of a person’s illness. Learn about the relationship between trauma, PTSD, and HIV/AIDS.
PTSD and Smoking
Approximately 45 million adults in the United States currently smoke, and it has been found that individuals with PTSD may be more likely to smoke. Learn about the rates of smoking in PTSD, why individuals with PTSD may be more likely to smoke, and treatments that are available for smoking and PTSD.
PTSD and Substance Use
Numerous studies have found that individuals with PTSD are at greater risk for developing substance use problems. Rates of alcohol and drug use among people with PTSD are reviewed, along with reasons why people with PTSD may be at greater risk for these problems.
Explore Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
  4. PTSD and Your Health

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.