PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF STRESS AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental disorder that develops following exposure to severe traumatic events and is characterized by symptoms such as re-experiencing the trauma, heightened anxiety, and hyperarousal. Recent studies indicate that the pathophysiology of PTSD is largely influenced by dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and disruptions in neurotransmitter regulation, which affect key brain structures, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The amygdala plays a central role in the formation and retention of fear, amplifying emotional responses to traumatic stimuli. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, in combination with neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, glutamate), modulate amygdala activity, influencing the development of PTSD. This review highlights the importance of investigating biomarkers for early PTSD diagnosis and explores promising therapeutic strategies focused on correcting HPA axis dysfunction and restoring neurotransmitter balance to alleviate PTSD symptoms.