Associations of Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Inflammation and Endothelial Function: On Timing, Specificity, and Mechanisms

Exposure to traumatic psychological stress can increase risk for numerous physical and mental health problems. Exciting discoveries from trauma research have identified alterations in peripheral biological systems, including the immune and cardiovascular systems, as potential contributors to trauma-related ill health. Importantly, such discoveries are pointing us in new directions in the search for interventions to reduce the negative physical and mental health effects of trauma. However, there are still fundamental gaps in our understanding of when, how, and in whom trauma leads to long-term altered functioning of key peripheral biological systems.
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research