Pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Background: The experience of a sudden and stressful event can potentially cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  This paper attempts to provide an overview of literature on PTSD regarding its clinical features, risk factors, pathophysiologic aspects, as well as the available therapeutic options.  The purpose of review is the presentation of the latest data about PTSD as well as the deeper understanding of the neurobiological and psychological aspects of it.

Results: Studies focusing on etiology of the disorder support that a variety of environmental, biological and cognitive factors influence vulnerability or resilience to stress, including gene-environment interaction and epigenetic processes during development.  Variables of age and gender have an impact on clinical expression of PTSD, too.  Structural and functional abnormalities in brain regions involved in stress, memory and emotion regulation, especially of fear, have been reported, while neuroendocrine and neurochemical activity seems deregulated.  Psychotherapy is recommended as a first line of treatment for PTSD, but medication is also administered if needed.  Worth-mentioned is the experience of post-traumatic growth in which trauma is seen as an opportunity for personal, mental and spiritual, growth.

Conclusion: In recent years, there has been significant advance in information about PTSD.  The theoretical approaches and the results of clinical trials have critically contributed to the understanding of this mental disorder, making its successful treatment more possible.