They will be following 5,000 trauma survivors for one year. Samuel McLean, a trauma expert at the University of North Carolina, is investigating how post-traumatic stress symptoms develop in the brain. Researchers are looking into what puts people at risk for PTSD. “But we do know that there are some things that increase risk in general and some things that protect against it.” Biology of Traumatic Stress “We don’t have a blood test that would tell you or question you can ask somebody to know if they’re in the highest risk group for developing PTSD,” Tuma says. According to the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. This includes people who have been through a physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, or many other serious events.Īnyone can develop PTSD, at any age. “However, all sorts of trauma happen during one’s life that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder-like symptoms.”
Amit Etkin, an NIH-funded mental health expert at Stanford University.
“Most people associate post-traumatic stress symptoms with veterans and combat situations,” says Dr. NIH-funded researchers are uncovering the biology behind these brain changes and looking for ways to prevent and treat PTSD. Farris Tuma, who oversees the NIH traumatic stress research program. “There are real neurobiological consequences of trauma that are associated with PTSD,” explains Dr. If symptoms last more than a month and become severe enough to interfere with relationships or work, it may be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Sometimes these symptoms go away after a few weeks. This can include trouble sleeping feeling on edge frequently being very easily startled, anxious, or jumpy having flashbacks or avoiding things that remind you of the event. It helps us survive life-threatening events.īut the brain’s response to frightening events can also lead to chronic problems. This is called the “flight or fight” response. When you feel you’re in danger, your body responds with a rush of chemicals that make you more alert. It’s natural to be afraid after something scary or dangerous happens.
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