Traumatized Relationships: Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Fear of Intimacy, and Marital Adjustment in Dual Trauma Couples

The effects of combat trauma and combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can extend beyond the Veteran and can disrupt their intimate relationships and families. From a sample of Vietnam Veterans and their intimate partners a more systematic examination of the interrelationships of individual PTSD symptoms and marital adjustment was conducted. Results addressed the interplay between an individual's trauma-related symptoms and his or her difficulties within intimate relationships.