Potential risks with PTSD
Alcohol and drug use
Some people who live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) use drugs or alcohol to help manage the symptoms.
Excessive drug or alcohol misuse can make you more unwell. It can make you more likely to try and harm yourself or take your own life.
Read more about drugs, alcohol and mental health.
Mental health conditions
It is common for people who live with PTSD to have other mental health conditions like anxiety disorder or depression.
Other mental health conditions have some of the same symptoms as PTSD. This may be why PTSD can sometimes be hard to diagnose.
If you think you may be experiencing PTSD, you can tell your healthcare professional. You can explain that you have experienced trauma, and you think your symptoms might be related to PTSD.
Suicidal thoughts
Sometimes PTSD symptoms can be long-lasting and can have a significant impact on day-to-day life. This can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts.
Psychosis
There is a link between PTSD and psychosis. But it is not known if: ,
- psychosis is sometimes a symptom of PTSD, or
- if it is separate mental health condition, that can be developed alongside PTSD.
Some people who experience psychosis may have also experienced trauma. It may be a different response to trauma than PTSD.
Learn more about
Physical health issues
PTSD has been linked to a range of physical symptoms and health issues such as: ,
- dizziness,
- tinnitus,
- blurry vision,
- headaches,
- stomach aches,
- digestive issues,
- heart conditions,
- high blood pressure,
- weight issues,
- breathing issues,
- diabetes,
- chronic pain,
- sleep disorders, and
- immune system disorders.
You can find more information about:
Driving and PTSD
PTSD could affect your ability to drive safely.
Ask your doctor if you are not sure if your symptoms or medication will affect your driving.
If you think they might affect your ability to drive safely, you must tell the DVLA. The DVLA stands for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).