People with PTSD often develop other mental health disorders, such as substance use disorders, mood disorders, or anxiety disorders. Now, even though PTSD is itself considered to be an anxiety disorder, PTSD often co-occurs with other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. This article provides information on the relationship between PTSD and anxiety disorders in general, as well as specific relationships between PTSD and acute stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
(c) 2007 iStockphoto.com/Amanda RohdeBesides PTSD, mental health disorders that are classified as anxiety disorders are: acute stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobia. People with PTSD have been found to be at greater risk for having all of these disorders. This article provides an overview of the rates of these anxiety disorders among people with PTSD.
It is quite common for people with PTSD to experience panic attacks, and people with PTSD are at greater risk for developing panic disorder. In fact, around 7% of men and 13% of women with PTSD also have panic disorder -- a rate much higher than what is found in the general population. Learn more about what panic disorder is, as well as why PTSD and panic disorder may commonly co-occur.
The symptoms of PTSD may make a person feel different, as though they can't relate or connect with others. In addition, many people with PTSD feel high levels of depression, shame, guilt and self-blame. Therefore, it is not surprising that PTSD and social anxiety disorder frequently co-occur. Fortunately, there are very effective treatments available for both PTSD and social anxiety disorder. Check out this article to learn more about the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder, its connection with PTSD, and how one can get help.
Studies have found that anywhere between 4% and 22% of people with PTSD also have a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In addition, people with OCD also show a high likelihood of having experienced traumatic events. For example, one study found that 54% of people with a diagnosis of OCD report having experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Although these rates are high, they are not entirely surprising. PTSD may make a person's life feel chaotic and out-of-control. The behaviors associated with OCD may initially help make a person feel more in control, safe, and reduce anxiety. However, these strategies ultimately backfire, contributing to more anxiety and distress.
Acute stress disorder and PTSD often go hand-in-hand. This is because a diagnosis of PTSD can only be given one month after the experience of a traumatic event. Yet, it is likely that people may be experiencing PTSD-like symptoms soon after a traumatic event. Acute stress disorder describes the experience of PTSD-like symptoms immediately following a traumatic event. People with acute stress disorder have been found to be at greater risk for eventually developing PTSD. Information on the symptoms of acute stress disorder and its connection with PTSD is provided here.
