Psychosomatic medicine
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Psychosomatic medicine · Nov 2000
Relationship of physical symptoms to posttraumatic stress disorder among veterans seeking care for gulf war-related health concerns.
Studies of the relationship of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to physical symptoms in war veterans consistently show a positive relationship. However, traumatic experiences causing PTSD may correlate with other war exposures and medical illnesses potentially accounting for those symptoms. ⋯ PTSD diminishes the general health perceptions of care-seeking Gulf War veterans. Clinicians should carefully consider PTSD when evaluating Gulf War veterans with vague, multiple, or medically unexplained physical symptoms.