More Iraq veterans exhibiting physical symptoms of PTSD

Many veterans who have engaged in combat suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after enduring emotional turmoil. However, new research shows that the lasting effects of PTSD may be physically felt by patients over time.

Doctors have identified the psychological effects of PTSD, such as anxiety and impaired decision-making that result from trauma. However, concussions, headaches and irritability have been identified as long-lasting symptoms of the condition as well.

Experts note that soldiers who have been deployed since 2001 are at a high risk of developing mental and physical problems due to the trauma that has come with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A survey recently conducted by the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System and the University of Minnesota Medical School examined 953 National Guard soldiers who had served in the Middle East. One month after returning home, approximately 7 percent of veterans showed signs of PTSD. A year later, the rate had increased to 18 percent.

More than 7 million Americans suffer from PTSD every year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Through therapy and psychotic medications, indiduals may be able to manage the condition over time.