News

Alarming health findings lead to new program for PTSD sufferers

Apr 03, 2017

An extensive study involving 300 Vietnam veterans has revealed alarming health implications for those diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD participants were four times more likely to have a heart attack, twice as likely to have stomach ulcers, and twice as likely to suffer from sleep apnoea.

“Our study shows that PTSD can no longer be considered narrowly as a psychological disorder; rather it’s best described as a full systemic disorder,” said Professor Darrell Crawford, Director of Research  at the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation which is based at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Findings from the three year study have been used to create an Australia-wide education and awareness campaign. The GP Education Program is now accessible to 50,000 GPs and medical professionals.

“This will hopefully help clinicians identify PTSD earlier before it becomes a life-threatening illness and will vastly improve the recovery and quality of life for veterans and the community at large,” said Miriam Dwyer, CEO of the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.

More than one million Australians are expected to benefit from the findings.

“This study is breaking new ground because never before have researchers looked this deeply into PTSD and its relationship with the physical health of veterans,” said Ms Dwyer.

The PTSD Initiative is part of an overall $7 million research program funded by RSL Queensland.