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By Mayo Clinic staffPost-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt your whole life: your job, your relationships and even your enjoyment of everyday activities.
Having PTSD also may place you at a higher risk of other mental health problems, including:
- Depression
- Drug abuse
- Alcohol abuse
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
In addition, studies of war veterans have demonstrated a link between PTSD and the development of medical illnesses, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic pain
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease
- Musculoskeletal conditions
More research is needed to understand the relationship between PTSD and physical health problems.
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