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Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression

An analysis of comorbidity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Avi Bleich ,
Meni Koslowsky ,
Aliza Dolev  and
Bernard Lerer
Avi Bleich
Affiliation:
Tel-Aviv Souraski Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, and Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces
Meni Koslowsky*
Affiliation:
Bar-llan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, and Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces
Aliza Dolev
Affiliation:
MSW Mental Health Department, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces
Bernard Lerer
Affiliation:
Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, and Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces
*
Dr Mem Koslowsky, Department of Psychology, Bar-llan University, 52900 Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Abstract

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 morbidity of combat origin, PTSD 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 of the same time differentiated from it as an independent diagnostic category.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 170 , Issue 5 , May 1997 , pp. 479 - 482
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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