Etiology of Depression Comorbidity in Combat-Related PTSD: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often diagnosed with other mental health problems, particularly depression and substance dependence. PTSD comorbidity has been associated with more severe and chronic symptomology, however the relationships among these commonly co-occurring disorders are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding the development of PTSD, depression, and substance abuse comorbidities. We summarize research results for commonly tested hypotheses about the etiology of PTSD comorbidity, including (1) causal hypotheses, (2) common factors hypotheses, and (3) potential confounds. Recommendations are made for future work in this area of research.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA616743

Entities

People

  • Cynthia J Thomsen
  • Robyn M. Highfill-McRoy
  • Valerie A. Stander

Organizations

  • Naval Health Research Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Brain Injuries
  • Combat Injuries
  • Depression
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Military Medicine
  • Military Personnel
  • Mood Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.