PTSD is a better predictor of somatization in high trauma exposed than in community samples

Abstract

Background: The relation between PTSD symptoms’ and health, including health complaints, have been the aim of recent research, but until now no research was done comparing the relation between these variables in high exposed subjects and community samples. Methods: 1573 subjects (790 from community and 774 with trauma exposure, e.g. veterans, ambulance personnel) filled out a PTSD scale and a somatization scale. Findings: 21% of total sample report PTSD. PTSD symptoms explain 22% of somatization variance in the total sample, but this value is 29% in trauma exposed participants and only 14% in community sample. PTSD arousal symptoms are the best predictors in both groups. Discussion: Trauma exposure is not only related to higher PTSD prevalence, but also in these subjects PTSD symptoms explain a higher variance in somatization. Health care Services should take these data into account and screening for PTSD should be a routine, especially in traumatized subjects.