Rebuilding trust and intimacy.
Trauma alters the way a person sees the world, making it seem like a perpetually dangerous and frightening place.  Research of those with PTSD on intimate relationships reveals severe and pervasive effects on marital adjustment, general family functioning and the general mental health of partners.  These negative effects result in such problems as compromised parenting, family violence, divorce, sexual problems, and care giver burdens.

Male veterans with PTSD are more likely to report marital or relationship problems with poor family adjustment.  PSTD veterans and their wives have also reported a greater sense of anxiety around intimacy.  Sexual dysfunction also tends to be higher in veterans with PTSD than without.  It has been reported that diminished sexual interests contribute to decreased sexual satisfaction and adjustment.