Articles Index

PTSD and Impulsive Behaviors
There is a strong connection between PTSD and impulsive behaviors, such as alcohol use, binging and purging, deliberate self-harm, and suicide. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and various impulsive behaviors, as well as what you can do to cope with these behaviors, in this article.

PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
PTSD and borderline personality disorder commonly co-occur. Likewise, people with borderline personality disorder often also have a diagnosis of PTSD. Learn about borderline personality disorder, as well as this co-occurrence here.

Trauma, PTSD and OCD
PTSD and OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder often co-occur. Studies have found that anywhere between 4% to 22% of people with PTSD also have a diagnosis of OCD. Learn more about the connection between trauma, PTSD, and OCD.

Self-Medication in PTSD
PTSD and substance use commonly co-occur, and it has been proposed that people with PTSD are more likely to use substances because they are seeking a way to self-medicate distress associated with their PTSD symptoms. Learn more about the relationship between PTSD and substance use, as well as treatments for these conditions.

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.

Having Both PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) have been found to commonly co-occur, and the co-occurrence of these disorders often is associated with more physical and psychological problems, including suicide, anxiety, and depression. Learn more about the consequences associated with BPD-PTSD co-occurrence here.

PTSD, Cutting, and Other Forms of Self-Injury
PTSD and self-injury, such as cutting, co-occur more than you may think. Individuals with PTSD may be more likely to engage in deliberate self-harm behaviors, such as cutting or burning oneself. Learn about the connection between deliberate self-harm and PTSD.

Childhood Abuse, PTSD, and Deliberate Self-Injury in Adolescents
Adolescents have been found to be at high risk for engaging in deliberate self-injury (for example, cutting or burning oneself). Learn more about how childhood abuse and the experience of PTSD symptoms may play a role in the development of self-injury.

The Relationship between PTSD and Psychotic Symptoms
PTSD and psychotic symptoms can co-occur. People with PTSD sometimes experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not really there (hallucinations). Learn more about the different types of psychotic symptoms commonly experienced among people with PTSD.

How Trauma Can Lead to Dissociative Disorders
There is a definite link between dissociative disorders and PTSD. People who have experienced a traumatic event or have PTSD are more likely to also have a dissociative disorders. Learn more about the dissociative disorders and their relationship with trauma and PTSD.

PTSD and Guilt
PTSD and guilt commonly co-occur. Learn about the relationship between trauma, PTSD, and guilt, as well as how this guilt can be addressed in treatment.

PTSD and Depression
PTSD and depression commonly co-occur. Learn about depression and its connection with PTSD.

PTSD and Suicide
Connections between PTSD and suicide have been found. People who have experienced a traumatic event may be more likely to attempt suicide. Learn about the connection between trauma, PTSD, and suicide, as well as what you can do if you feel suicidal.

PTSD and Eating Disorders
PTSD and eating disorders commonly co-occur. People with PTSD have been found to more likely to also have an eating disorder than those without PTSD. Learn more about the connection between PTSD and eating disorders.

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; however, increased attention is now also being paid to the relationship between PTSD and HIV. Specifically, PTSD may impact the course of a person’s illness. Learn about the relationship between trauma, PTSD, and HIV/AIDS.

Trauma, PTSD, and Panic Disorder
PTSD and panic disorder commonly co-occur. In fact, people who have experienced a traumatic event or have PTSD have been found to be at greater risk for the experience of panic attacks and the development of panic disorder. Learn more about the relationship between the experience of trauma, PTSD, and panic disorder here.

PTSD and Anxiety Disorders
There is a strong relationship between PTSD and anxiety disorders. People with PTSD are more likely to also have other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Learn about these other anxiety disorders and the extent with which they co-occur with PTSD.

The Relationship between PTSD and Smoking
Approximately 45 million adults in the United States currently smoke, and it has been found that PTSD and smoking commonly co-occur. 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 Social Anxiety Disorder
PTSD and social anxiety disorder (SAD) commonly co-occur. Learn more about the occurrence of SAD among people with PTSD, as well as what may explain why people with PTSD are likely to experience social anxiety.

The Connection Between PTSD and Alcohol and Drug Use
PTSD and drug and alcohol use often go hand-in-hand. 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.