Could losing a loved one result in arthritis? To many it would seem unlikely, but according to an in-depth study at the University of Cape Town the answer is yes. Researcher Lukoye Atwoli said some "surprise findings" came out of his study, which established a direct link between emotional trauma, mental disorders and chronic physical conditions.His study entailed analysing data on common mental problems in South Africa among 4500 adults.It found that at least 60.2% of subjects presented at least one chronic physical condition.The data also found that if you have experienced trauma you are 1.5 times more likely to develop arthritis and 1.7 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.Atwoli said the two most common traumatic events for people are the death of a loved one and the witnessing of a traumatic event."This is even more prevalent than sexual assault or physical violence in South Africa, despite what people may think."He said people assume you must experience trauma yourself to suffer post traumatic stress, but that this is not the case.Witnessing a traumatic event can have the same effect, he said.Psychologist David Edwards said: "Historically, thousands were exposed to traumatising events as a consequence of the political violence under apartheid, either as a direct result of the actions of the military or the police, or through being caught up in conflict."Gladys Mayohi, a grandmother from Langa in Cape Town, says: "This link sounds right, but it makes me angry. We have lost many loved ones in this family. My daughter has pain and nobody knows what it is and my one grandchild has breathing problems."I don't know if the sickness is because of the deaths, but if it is, it makes me angry because it means my life becomes impossible."Nomfundo Mogapi, director of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, said: "What complicates trauma in South Africa is that people experience what is called continuous trauma."Post traumatic stress disorder comes after a traumatic event, but many people here live in a constant state of feeling unsafe and therefore find ways of coping, which are traumatic in themselves."There is no doubt that has an effect on the body."..