<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Within the field of study on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a connection exists between it and long-term health.&nbsp; There is a connection between it and functional health outcomes, but how exactly those health incomes are impacted needs more research and study.&nbsp; Below, is what science has connected so far in those suffering from PTSD.</p> <p><strong>Physical health implications</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PTSD is as much a concern to the physical body as it is to mental and health support.&nbsp; Some of the recorded interruptions to health, especially long-term, included:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Cardiovascular weaknesses:</strong> The heart can be negatively impacted by PTSD.&nbsp; This is seen through the prevalence of cardiovascular-related illnesses and diagnosis in those who are suffering from PTSD.&nbsp; This is the case with PTSD being actively treated, or in cases where its triggers have been dormant for a long time.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Metabolic disturbances:</strong> Impacting the immune system as well as weight maintenance, among other concerns, many dealing with both diagnosed and undiagnosed PTSD can have both minor and major disturbances with the metabolic system, noted in actual significant testing parameters.</li> <li><strong>Increased inflammation: </strong>Creating issues in terms of arthritis or fibromyalgia, as well as slower healing times after injury, etc, inflammation was another common comorbidity that could make other conditions worse, or create problems where there were not any of them.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Mental health implications</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While these are well known, the focus of these particular outcomes focuses a lot of energy on just how much these implications can have a negative effect on someone&rsquo;s life in the true long-term sense.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Anxiety:</strong> From specific triggers in anxiety, to something like generalized anxiety or panic disorders, there are many who struggle seriously with anxiety after being diagnosed with PTSD.&nbsp; This is even with noted triggers that previously were not a concern.</li> <li><strong>Depression:</strong> Ranging from depressive spells, to something like serious bouts in depression that can go for months and disrupt someone&rsquo;s life, many struggle with some form of depression.</li> <li><strong>Social isolation:</strong> This can often exacerbate any and all mental and physical health concerns, earning it its own spot in the list of implications.&nbsp; When PTSD is diagnosed young/early in a career, it means that these issues become more pronounced faster, and often will have implications much longer in life, simply because it starts out so young.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The importance of diagnosis</strong></p> <p>Since those living with PTSD are clearly at risk to some very real physical and mental/emotional concerns, improper diagnosis -- or missing diagnosis -- can be really detrimental to making sure they get the help they need to make their way to better, stable times.&nbsp; In understanding these implications for long-term health, the hope is that those at the forefront of PTSD awareness can push it further and make it more of a priority for those who seek help and support.</p> <p>Functional health outcomes and PTSD are connected, as evidenced through the physical and mental health concerns that are already documented.&nbsp; It also brings to mind the concept that many are undiagnosed.&nbsp; This further intensifies any, and all, symptoms and weaknesses in health.</p> <p>Sources</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-018-0977-9">https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-018-0977-9</a></li> </ul>