Post-traumatic stress disorder and health problems among medically ill Canadian peacekeeping veterans

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and four significant health conditions (gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, headaches, and cardiovascular problems). METHOD: Participants included 707 Canadian peacekeeping veterans with service-related disabilities, from a random, national Canadian survey, who had been deployed overseas. RESULTS: PTSD severity was significantly related to gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, and headaches, but not to cardiovascular problems. Controlling for demographic factors did not affect PTSD\u27s relationships with the three significant health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports previous work in finding consistent relations between PTSD severity and specific types of medical problems