Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the pathway to healing

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous psychiatric condition that can develop following traumatic events such as violence, severe injury, abuse or combat (Zhang et al., 2025). Its prevalence is estimated between 3–6% in the general population but is considerably higher among military veterans and survivors of repeated trauma (Iqbal et al., 2023). Neurobiological studies have identified disrupted brain circuits, dysregulated neurotransmitters, alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and hyperactivity of the amygdala as key mechanisms underlying the disorder (Al Jowf et al., 2023). Recent studies have further clarified PTSD’s pathophysiology by identifying gene expression changes in specific brain cell types, implicating dysregulation of pathways related to glucocorticoid signaling, GABAergic transmission, and neuroinflammation (Hwang et al., 2025). Beyond its biological impact, PTSD poses significant societal challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations such as refugees, children, and survivors of sexual violence (Schrader & Ross, 2021). Continued research, improved access to effective therapies, and efforts to reduce stigma are crucial in mitigating the burden on individuals and public health.