Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Different PTSD symptoms have unique affects on patients
By Staff Writer
The researchers behind a recent study on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) set out to identify which of the condition's symptoms are most associated with a lower quality of life. They found that certain symptoms have a more severe affect on a patient's outlook than others.
In this study, which was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, researchers interviewed 184 individuals who were seeking treatment for PTSD at two separate locations in different regions of the U.S.
On average, a PTSD patient was willing to give up 13.6 years of his or her life to live without the disorder's symptoms. In addition, the study participants were willing to accept a treatment with up to a 13 percent chance of immediate death if it meant total relief from their symptoms.
Of four major symptoms associated with PTSD, the researchers found that not all were related to patients' quality of life. Symptoms related to heightened arousal, such as trouble sleeping, irritability and vigilance were all linked to one's overall wellbeing.
This was the first study to ask PTSD patients about their health preferences, according to the researchers. They believe that these findings might provide targets for treatments offered by mental health and drug rehab facilities. These new forms of treatment might also improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from the disorder.
