Israeli scientists have found a direct medical link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and seven common chronic illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Sunday.
Although several countries recognize a connection between PTSD and various chronic physical conditions, Sunday’s report makes Israel’s defense establishment the first to recognize PTSD as a direct causal medical link, not just a comorbidity.
“For the first time, a causal-medical link has been established between post-trauma and chronic diseases—a connection between body and mind,” said Itamar Graf, Deputy Director General and Head of the Planning Division at the Ministry of Defense. “The Ministry of Defense accepts the committee’s determinations and, in light of the extensive implications of its recommendations, will establish a multidisciplinary team led by the Planning Division and in collaboration with professional entities from government ministries to examine the manner in which the recommendations will be implemented.”
The committee, chaired by Judge (Retd.) Col. (Res.) Maya Heller, was part of the broader “One Soul” reform, a government initiative aimed at improving care for Israel Defense Forces veterans dealing with trauma-related conditions. The committee, which included experts in psychiatry, internal medicine, cardiology, rheumatology, public health, and endocrinology.
Working in collaboration with the IDF Disabled Organization, the committee concluded that PTSD can causally contribute to diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stroke, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. People with PTSD may avoid situations or things that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have negative changes in beliefs and feelings. The condition is typically managed with therapy and medication.
Tel Aviv University’s National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience reported in May that the incidence of PTSD has tripled among combat soldiers since Hamas’ October 7 attacks.
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