Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
Physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, and psychiatric comorbidity among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
James W Whitworth1, Erica R Scioli1, Terence M Keane1
1National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System.
Background:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with physical inactivity and cigarette smoking. However, little is known about the degree to which comorbid psychiatric conditions affect the odds of physical inactivity and smoking among individuals with PTSD.
Objective:
To examine associations between PTSD, comorbid psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety, or hazardous alcohol/substance use), physical inactivity and smoking among military veterans.
Method:
This was a cross-sectional analysis of data on U.S. veterans from Project VALOR (Veterans' After-discharge Longitudinal Registry; n = 1140). Logistic regressions examined associations between PTSD, comorbid psychiatric conditions, physical inactivity, and cigarette smoking.
Results:
PTSD was associated with increased odds of being physically inactive (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08, p < .001) and a current smoker (OR = 1.39, p = .037), relative to no PTSD. PTSD with cooccurring depression was associated with increased odds for physical inactivity (OR = 2.68, p < .001) and smoking (OR = 1.78, p = .003), relative to PTSD only. PTSD with anxiety was associated with physical inactivity (OR = 2.17, p < .001), whereas cooccurring alcohol (OR = 1.60, p = .023) and substance use (OR = 2.00, p = .001) were associated with smoking. Additionally, numerous combinations of PTSD plus multiple conditions (e.g., PTSD + depression + anxiety) further increased the odds of physical inactivity and smoking (p < .05).
Conclusions:
Greater numbers of psychiatric comorbidities increase the odds of physical inactivity and cigarette smoking among veterans with PTSD. Physical inactivity and cigarette smoking are important predictors of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and PTSD rarely occurs without psychiatric comorbidity. Thus, additional longitudinal research is needed to determine the impact of these associations, as they have clear physical and mental health implications. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
More Related Videos
10:43Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
06:55An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...