Assess possible differences in quality of life assessment between the group of veterans who meet the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic PTSD and the group of veterans who do not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic PTSD. Compare and analyze possible differences between the two groups in socio-demographic characteristics.

The subjects were 100 adult men, veterans with combat exposure who met the inclusion criteria for the study and agreed to sign the informed consent. The subjects were divided in two groups, each comprising of 50 subjects. Experimental group consisted of 50 veterans with combat exposure who meet the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic PTSD according to ICD-10. Control group consisted of 50 veterans with combat exposure who do not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic PTSD. The subjects were assessed with the following standardized psychometric instruments: MMSE, MINI, IES-90 R, MANSA; Life Stressor List and a socio-demographic questionnaire:

The subjects with PTSD assessed satisfaction with all components of the quality of life significantly lower than the subjects from the non-PTSD group. Yet, the scores assessing the satisfaction with family life, although lower than in the non-PTSD group, were relatively high in the PTSD group (4,76 ± 1,3).

The results indicate the importance of factors of both PTSD diagnosis and the posttraumatic environment on the subjective perception of the quality of life for the subjects in this study.

To assess possible differences in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDLC, Index of arteriosclerosis and Established risk factor for arteriosclerosis and 10 year risk of coronary disease between veterans with combat experience with PTSD and veterans with combat experience without PTSD. To compare and analyze differences between groups in socio-demographic characteristics, trauma exposure, coping strategies and quality of life.

Plasma lipid parameters were determined and risk factors calculated for 50 subjects in the PTSD group and 50 subjects in the non-PTSD group. Groups were homogenized in gender, age, BMI, smoking status and somatic or psychiatric co-morbid disorders or the use of medications influencing blood lipid levels. Trauma exposure, coping strategies and quality of life were assessed with referenced psychometric instruments, socio-demographic characteristics with use of questionnaire.

Subjects in the PTSD group had significantly higher levels of all plasma lipid parameters except for HDL-C that was significantly lower. Risk factors were significantly higher in PTSD group. There was no significant difference in indices of exposure to combat trauma. Secondary traumatization was significantly more frequent in PTSD group. There were significant differences in socio-economic parameters, quality of life assessment and repertoire of coping strategies.

The results of this study provide further evidence for the onnection of chronic PTSD and blood lipids abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors. The results indicate the importance of posttraumatic environment factors and coping strategies for the occurrence and persistence of PTSD.