Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Somatization among U.S. Service Members and Military Veterans

Abstract Problem Awareness of symptoms associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is important for developing appropriate treatment interventions and estimating accompanying costs. Knowledge of somatoform complaints is important, as individuals with somatoform disorders typically receive supplementary testing and care, increasing medical costs. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between PTSD and somatization among active U.S. service members and military veterans. Methods U.S. military service members and veterans volunteered (n=205) to take a demographic survey, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Military Version (PCL-M), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15). Results Positive correlations were found between PTSD symptoms and somatization (p Discussion These findings show that being female and having a diagnosis of PTSD (using PCL-M criteria) are related to higher somatization. Women demonstrated high somatization when PTSD was present regardless of military status, however men demonstrated high somatization when PTSD was present and they were in active military status. These results suggest that somatization itself may be an associated symptom of PTSD, and support the need for in-depth assessment and strategized treatment to meet patient needs.