Depression is a condition marked by persistent feelings of sadness or unhappiness. Such feelings of sadness can last for a long period of time and tend to negatively impact the person’s life. Depression may also include other symptoms like feeling worthless, feeling guilty, decision making problems, insomnia and fatigue. In ptsd depression is commonly observed in many cases.

Many individuals diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder have present or past diagnosis of depression. In ptsd depression is common as many individuals suffering from depression are likely to have had a traumatic experience. This in turn increases the likelihood of the individual developing ptsd.

In ptsd depression is observed in many cases as individuals suffering from ptsd may have symptoms that are so debilitating that they may cause depression. Ptsd in some cases may result in individuals feeling disconnected or detached from family and friends. Such individuals may also not find pleasure in activities that were at one point of time enjoyable. They may find it difficult to experience emotions like happiness or joy. These symptoms can lead to feelings of extreme sadness or depression.

Ptsd depression has a genetic link and if a person has ptsd then it is crucial that prompt medical intervention is sought. If the symptoms with ptsd are tackled the possibility of suffering from depression is reduced. Those having ptsd and depression should also get immediate treatment as every disorder can make the other problem worse.

Among women suffering from ptsd depression is also diagnosed in around 43% of the cases. Women having depression prior to the occurrence of traumatic event may develop ptsd. Depression may be caused due to childhood issues like abuse, rape and other traumatic events. However not all women who have experienced similar kind of trauma develop ptsd.

Post traumatic stress disorder is often triggered by the memories of events that are traumatic. Such individuals tend to relive the traumatic events and also have flashbacks or nightmares of the events. In some cases the ptsd can become extremely severe and the patients may retreat from normal activities and become isolated thereby resulting in depression. Ptsd depression may be observed in traumatic events like violent assaults, rape, serious accidents, natural disasters, sexual harassment and terrorist incidents.

Ptsd may develop hours after the event and in some cases it may take months or years after the event for the person to display ptsd symptoms. Diagnosis of ptsd depression can be done through structured interviews, psychological assessments and questionnaires. Classically those suffering from ptsd tend to avoid forming close ties and they also seem to be constantly on guard or may display signs of feeling threatened.

Treatment of these conditions as well as ptsd depression can be done through therapy and medication. Depending on the severity of the cases the treatment may be determined. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used in treating ptsd as well as depression. Depression can be treated with medication particularly where it is severe. Relaxation techniques and skills for effective communication, coping with anxiety and managing stressful situations can allow those suffering from this condition to control it effectively. Group therapy can also be effectively used with those suffering from ptsd depression.