This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Sareen, J. Articles by Asmundson, G. J. G. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Sareen, J. Articles by Asmundson, G. J. G. Related Collections Suicide or Suicidal Behavior Other Epidemiology Depression PTSD

Physical and Mental Comorbidity, Disability, and Suicidal Behavior Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Large Community Sample

From the Department of Psychiatry (J.S., B.J.C., C.F.), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry, Family and Preventive Medicine (M.B.S.), University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Community Health Sciences (J.S., B.J.C., T.O.A.), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory (G.J.G.A.), University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Jitender Sareen, PZ430-771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 3N4. E-mail: sareen{at}cc.umanitoba.ca

Objective: To assess if posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recognized as a common mental disorder in the general population and veteran samples, has a unique impact on comorbidity, disability, and suicidal behavior (after adjusting for other mental disorders, especially depression).

Methods: Data came from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 1.2 (n = 36,984; age 15 years; response rate 77%). All respondents were asked if they had been given a diagnosis of PTSD by a healthcare professional. A select number of mental disorders were assessed by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Chronic physical health conditions, measures of quality of life, disability, and suicidal behavior were also assessed.

Results: The prevalence of PTSD as diagnosed by health professionals was 1.0% (95% CI = 0.90–1.15). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and other mental disorders, PTSD remained significantly associated with several physical health problems including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, chronic pain conditions, gastrointestinal illnesses, and cancer. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, mental disorders, and severity of physical disorders, PTSD was associated with suicide attempts, poor quality of life, and short- and long-term disability.

Conclusions: PTSD was uniquely associated with several physical disorders, disability, and suicidal behavior. Increased early recognition and treatment of PTSD are warranted.

Key Words: posttraumatic stress disorder • comorbidity • suicidal behavior • physical health problems • epidemiology • quality of life

Abbreviations: PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder; CCHS 1.2 = Canadian Community Health Survey cycle 1.2; CI = confidence interval; WBMMS = Psychological Well-Being Manifestation Scale.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				The Comorbidities of PTSD Journal Watch Psychiatry, June 25, 2007; 2007(625): 2 - 2. [Full Text]