Self-reported health and physician diagnosed illnesses in women with posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.
Posttraumatic stress disorder has been associated with poor physical health. Depression is also associated with poor health, and may be responsible for the apparent relationship between PTSD and health outcomes. The current study examined self-reported and physician diagnosed medical morbidity in women. Women with PTSD alone were compared to three other groups of women: women with PTSD and comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD), women with MDD only, or women with neither diagnosis (comparison group). Results suggest that PTSD, with or without MDD, is associated with poor health in women. Posttraumatic stress disorder severity was related to health complaints beyond the effects of both somatization and depressive symptoms among women with PTSD. Findings and implications are discussed in relation to previous research in the area.
Calhoun
Patrick S
PS
Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 116B, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA. calho002@mc.duke.edu
Wiley
Matthew
M
Dennis
Michelle F
MF
Beckham
Jean C
JC
D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult