Women who have the largest number of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms are almost three times more likely to develop an addiction to food, a new study suggests.
The findings don't prove a direct link between PTSD and women overeating or becoming addicted to food. And it's also possible that certain women are prone to food addiction and experiencing trauma, PTSD, or both.
Still, the research seems to add to existing evidence connecting PTSD to overeating and obesity, although the overall risk is fairly low, the researchers from the University of Minnesota said.
The findings can be helpful, said the study's lead author, Susan Mason, an assistant professor with the university's division of epidemiology and community health. "If clinicians providing mental health care are aware that PTSD is sometimes accompanied by problematic eating behaviors, then they may be able to offer better and more tailored care to their patients," she said.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that develops in some people after they experience a horrific event, like a natural disaster, violence or warfare. Those with PTSD may become endlessly vigilant, have a difficult-to- impossible time relaxing, and can develop flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety.
[For more of this story, written by Randy Dotinga, go to http://consumer.healthday.com/...n-report-691828.html]
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