Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Italy: a comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD comorbidities and gender-related differences

Abstract

Objectives: The association between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and physical comorbidities is controversial since most studies focused on specific comorbidity and victim types. In Italy, data on this issue are scarce. A comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD medical categories co-occurring in PTSD may orient assessment and treatment during clinical and forensic practice. This is the first study evaluating all the ICD physical comorbidities and gender-related differences in Italian PTSD patients. Eighty-four PTSD patients (36 females, 48 males) were included. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Davidson Trauma Scale were administered. Results: Most patients had a PTSD consequent to an accident and half of them presented extreme severity. No gender differences emerged on symptom severity/duration and age at the event. Metabolic (39.29%), circulatory (20.24%) and musculoskeletal diseases (17.86%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Metabolic/circulatory diseases were more frequent among males (p =0.019 and p = 0.027, respectively) while females more frequently showed neoplasms (p =0.039). Physical comorbidities represent a serious complication in PTSD patients and are more prevalent than in general population. While gender is not associated with symptom presentation, it seems to play a key role in specific comorbidities including metabolic, circulatory and neoplastic diseases.