PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Co-Occurring Conditions

Most people with PTSD—about 80%—have one or more additional mental health diagnoses. They are also at risk for functional impairments, reduced quality of life, and relationship problems. PTSD and trauma are linked to physical health problems as well. These articles explain the connections among PTSD, trauma and co-occurring mental and physical health problems.

Suicide

• Relationship Between PTSD and Suicide
  Explores the association between PTSD and suicide and provides information about risk factors and reasons for suicide.

Sleep

• Sleep Problems in Veterans with PTSD
  Provides information on the prevalence of sleep problems that are common with PTSD and reviews best practices for treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

Substance Abuse

• Cannabis Use and PTSD Among Veterans
  Reviews the prevalence of cannabis use and associated problems, offering clinical recommendations for treatment of cannabis use disorder in people with PTSD. There is no evidence at this time that cannabis is an effective treatment for PTSD.
• Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in Veterans Affairs
  Reviews the prevalence and evidence-based treatment recommendations for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) among Veterans using VA care.

Moral Injury

• Moral Injury
  Describes moral injury, the relationship between moral injury and PTSD, and assessment and treatment considerations.
• Moral Injury in Health Care Workers
  Describes potential sources of moral injury in health care providers and offers self-care strategies and tips for supporting coworkers and staff.

Neurocognitive Problems

• Co-occurring PTSD and Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD)
  Reviews research on the connection between PTSD and neurocognitive disorders (NCD), such as traumatic brain injury and dementia. Possible risk factors for concurrent PTSD and NCD are discussed.
• Assessment and Treatment for PTSD with Co-occurring Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD)
  Describes evidence for assessment and evidence-based treatments for PTSD that are appropriate for those with concurrent mild neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia.
• Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD
  Outlines levels of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity, how TBI and PTSD may affect each other, and what PTSD treatment may look like in the context of TBI history.

Anger and Violence

• Research Findings on PTSD and Violence
  Reviews research on the association between PTSD and violence, including a discussion of important issues to consider when interpreting findings.
• Assessing Risk of Violence in Individuals with PTSD
  Discusses risk assessment strategies and screening instruments for violent behavior with PTSD and includes tips for providers to reduce risk.

Physical Problems

• PTSD and Physical Health
  Provides information on the relationships between trauma, PTSD, and physical health; specific health problems associated with PTSD; health-risk behaviors and PTSD, and more.
• Chronic Pain and PTSD
  Discusses chronic pain and how it may be related to trauma and PTSD, including recommendations for health care providers on managing chronic pain and assessing for trauma.

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