PTSD and Chronic Illness

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder known to develop after someone experiences emotional trauma, such as serving in a war zone or being abused, especially if the experience is repeated or continues over an extended period of time. PTSD is considered a chronic illness.

But a friend recently sent me information about an interesting scientific study showing that people with chronic illness may develop PTSD. The new information shows that people who must live with chronic illnesses which often appear suddenly; require major life changes; cause severe symptoms, sometimes including pain; and may require unpleasant treatments, are likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome as a result.

That is unfortunate, but may not be entirely bad news. People who were considered emotionally unstable and told their illnesses were psychosomatic may be taken more seriously now that emotional problems are known to be a result rather than a cause of their other conditions.

Here are some relevant internet sites that explain more about the connection:

http://tinyurl.com/yj9stup

http://tinyurl.com/ykoo5q9

http://tinyurl.com/ydzt2dy