Approximately 80 percent of patients with PTSD have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder. Comorbid PTSD is very common, as many who have PTSD suffer from more than one condition simultaneously. Many people with PTSD try to treat their feelings, emotions and thoughts by themselves. This can include self-medication and a multitude of self-destructive behaviors. Using drugs or alcohol is a common example and will only make things worse, prolong treatment and only very briefly while intoxicated numb the pain. Optimal results are achieved when both the commingling mental health condition and PTSD are treated together and at the same time. The most common comorbid disorders include
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
- Somatization Disorder