Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. An analysis of comorbidity.

BACKGROUND

We examined psychiatric morbidity following war-related psychic trauma, with a special focus on the depressive comorbidity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHOD

Subjects consisted of 60 Israeli veterans who sought psychiatric treatment 4-6 years after having been exposed to war trauma. PTSD and psychiatric comorbidity were diagnosed using the Structured Interview for PTSD and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia.

RESULTS

Both lifetime (100%) and current (87%) PTSD were the most prevalent disorders. Comorbidity was extensive, with major depressive disorder (MDD) most prevalent (95% lifetime, 50% current), followed by anxiety disorders, minor affective disorders, and alcoholism or drug misuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Within post-traumatic psychiatric and MDD are the most prevalent disorders. In addition it appears that PTSD, although related to post-traumatic MDD beyond a mere sharing of common symptoms, is at the same time differentiated from it as an independent diagnostic category.