New study offers hope for PTSD sufferers
A major study has found post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects veterans physical health, as well as their emotional wellbeing.
The study, undertaken by Queensland researchers, looked at the health of 300 Vietnam veterans and found they were four times more likely to have had a heart attack.
They are also more at risk of developing sleep apnoea, stomach ulcers and reflux.
Richard McLaren, an Iroquis crewman in Vietnam, says his experience seeing death has stayed with him.
“I thought, I know he's dead but he's got a family at home that at this moment are probably going about their normal day's life,” he told 7 News.
Mr McLaren has struggled to cope for 40 years, has had three divorces and has fractured relationships with his children.
“If you can get down to the point of putting a gun to your head it’s pretty bad.”
It's hoped the results will help doctors better diagnose the condition.
The findings were released in Brisbane on Friday at a major international conference on PTSD.
It was organised by veteran Tony Dell, who has spent nearly two years planning the event with the help of former Chief of Defence Sir Angus Houston.
“I'm hoping the results of this study will show why it stuffed up my life for 40 years.”
National news break – September 11
