<p>061521 -</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no secret around the fact that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a problem in many adults.&nbsp; Whether it be caused by emergency services careers, serving in the military, or any other high-stress situation, it impacts many adults on a day to day basis.&nbsp; While this is known through general and research communities, there is not much study on its relation to functional health outcomes.</p> <p><strong>An understanding of PTSD</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are many triggers to PTSD.&nbsp; For the purposes of study to bring in as much data as possible from those who struggle with it, the causes were stated as being exposure to combat-related trauma, and chemical or bio-warfare.&nbsp; This was studied through the lens of actual contact with these two traumas, as well as the threat or perception of threat of either, or both.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PTSD was separated into two categories, too, in order to help with clarity in the diagnosis line of thinking.&nbsp; The first one was where the diagnosis was established through proper psychological testing.&nbsp; The second was self-reported or self-diagnosed PTSD, done through recognition of symptoms and exposure to the threats.</p> <p><strong>What does PTSD look like for different groups?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was serious study needed as it relates to health, specifically functional health.&nbsp; This was split into physical health and mental health to help experts understand just how PTSD can impact either, or both, without proper treatment.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As far as research studies are concerned, those reporting diagnosed PTSD without symptoms were those more likely to have triggers associated with combat from previous deployment or duties.&nbsp; In most cases, these were veterans or those who were no longer actively serving in their field of employment responsible for PTSD.&nbsp; Those who were still actively in service or employed in their career paths, were more likely to report having PTSD symptoms, but without the formal diagnosis to back them up.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interestingly, there was a lot of data to back up the point that PTSD symptoms, or flare-ups of those symptoms even after treatment, were not always linked just to compact espoures or other triggers associated with PTSD.&nbsp; It was as likely that triggers to exposures such as crowds, alarms, or similar situations in &ldquo;everyday life&rdquo; would create a problem for those still in active duty.</p> <p><strong>How does PTSD impact health?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In both groups studied, there was data to suggest that both physical and mental health were diminished.&nbsp; This implies that proper diagnosis and treatment for both groups is important to help those suffering enjoy better quality of life, specific to health.&nbsp; Just like any other physical or mental condition, PTSD does have serious health implications that can last long after someone has retired from active duty or changed careers.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Understanding the connection between PTSD and both mental and physical health is a critical first step to making progress.&nbsp; However, more study on the actual health implications is important to offer better stability and progress reports for those who are seeking treatment for PTSD.&nbsp; Perhaps in the future, this will also help use mental and physical health scores as an indicator as someone suffering from PTSD.</p>