PTSD is associated with motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds and falls from tall heights, and the condition can hinder the patient’s recovery from orthopedic treatment. Patients who suffer from PTSD may experience an inability to perform daily chores and increased recovery time.
Patients with PTSD often report re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding situations reminiscent of the original trauma and physical symptoms such as anger, irritability, difficulty concentrating and insomnia. Factors that increase the risk of PTSD include drug or alcohol use, less education, socioeconomic status, younger age and female gender.
While PTSD impacts the patient’s recovery from orthopedic injuries, there aren’t any studies linking the treatment or resolution of PTSD with orthopedic improvement.
Read the release about PTSD among orthopedic patients who experience trauma.
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