Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract
With recent surges in global conflict and terrorism, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly being recognized as a cause of substantial disability in both civilian and military populations. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in the general population is 8% to 12%,1,2 and the prevalence in military veterans is considerably higher, ranging from 13% to 31%.3-5 Posttraumatic stress disorder is not only the cause of tremendous mental health burden but is also a major risk factor for chronic physical illness, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD).6-8 In the absence of a cure for PTSD, improving patients' health status by reducing disease symptoms, maximizing function, and increasing quality of life is a major goal of treatment.