From Bench to Bedside: Understanding General Anesthetics' Impact on PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a multifaceted mental health disorder arising from exposure to traumatic events, characterized by persistent and distressing symptoms. Recent years have seen growing recognition of anesthesia's dual role in PTSD. While countless patients receive anesthetics during traumatic medical care, their long-term psychological impacts remain unclear, raising urgent clinical questions. This review provides an in-depth analysis of both clinical and animal studies examining the effects of commonly used inhaled and intravenous anesthetics, such as sevoflurane/isoflurane, benzodiazepines (BZDs), ketamine, propofol, and dexmedetomidine (Dex), on PTSD. These studies reveal a complex interplay between these anesthetic agents and PTSD, highlighting their potential to either alleviate or exacerbate symptoms depending on various factors such as dosage, timing, and individual susceptibility. Additionally, this review synthesizes the current understanding of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms through which these anesthetics affect fear memory and neuroplasticity, offering valuable insights into their potential applications and limitations in managing PTSD.