A Functional Medicine Approach to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Recovery and Management
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition triggered by exposure to distressing events that pose a threat to the life or safety of oneself or others.
- As a complex and multifaceted disorder affecting millions globally, PTSD has been a significant focus of research in psychiatric and psychological domains.
- The onset of PTSD symptoms varies from immediate emergence post-trauma to delayed expression years later.
- Functional Medicine aims to identify the root causes of symptoms by conducting a thorough assessment of a person's medical history, lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions.
Functional medicine takes a more holistic approach by considering the interconnectedness of various bodily systems and the impact of lifestyle factors on overall health, contrary to traditional medicine, which often focuses primarily on symptom management through medications and therapy.
The purpose of this article is to promote awareness, education, and support for individuals of all ages dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and shine a bright light on the possibility of long-term relief through innovating and functional medicine treatment modalities.
This article provides an opportunity to destigmatize seeking help for mental health conditions and develop a culture that values the importance of mental health, ultimately contributing to overall wellness and improved quality of life for everyone everywhere.
It's important to note that while a functional medicine approach can be beneficial, it should not replace traditional PTSD treatments such as psychotherapy or medication, but serve as an adjunct treatment.
Before the article starts, I must emphasize that PTSD can affect individuals of all ages and races. Trauma is a spectrum that ranges from macro-traumas to micro-traumas, such as and not limited to, natural disasters, accidents, combat veterans, caregiving, abrupt death of family members, poverty, abandonment, domestic violence, sexual assault, bullying, childhood trauma, and abuse.
Key PTSD Statistics
- 12 million U.S. adults live with PTSD.
- Lifetime worldwide prevalence of PTSD in the general population is around 3.9%.
- About 5 out of every 100 U.S. adults (or 5%) have PTSD in any given year.
- 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
- In 2019, 15.3% of U.S. veterans experienced PTSD, depression, or substance abuse.
PTSD Explained
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder and psychological condition triggered by exposure to distressing events that pose a threat to the life or safety of oneself or others. It is a complex, multifaceted disorder that manifests as intense, persistent reactions to traumatic memories, causing severe distress and interference with everyday life activities.
Research has implicated specific neurobiological structures and processes in the development of PTSD. One such structure is the amygdala, the brain's emotional processing hub. Studies show that heightened amygdala activation is associated with the intense emotional responses to trauma cues in PTSD.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for regulating emotional responses, is another area of interest. Reduced activation in the prefrontal cortex due to unconditioned fear responses, is often presented in individuals with PTSD, suggesting an inability to inhibit the fear response.
Alterations in the body's stress response systems, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, are also significant in PTSD. Dysregulation of the HPA axis leads to hypervigilance and chronically elevated cortisol levels, which further contributes to PTSD symptoms.
Signs + Symptoms
The symptomatology of PTSD can be categorized into four main clusters:
- Intrusion.
- Avoidance.
- Negative alterations in cognition and mood
- Alterations in arousal and reactivity.
The onset of PTSD symptoms varies from immediate emergence post-trauma to delayed expression years later.
- Hypervigilance.
- Severe mood swings.
- Recurrent flashbacks.
- Irritation and anger outbursts.
- Emotional numbness.
- Easily startled.
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
Mainstay Treatment of PTSD
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Pharmacological treatments.
Some people may recover within a few months after the event, but for others it may take years or may even begin long after the events occur. Regardless of the type of treatment explored, it is critical to recognize the significant effects of trauma, versus avoiding it.
A Functional Medicine Approach to PTSD
A functional medicine approach to PTSD involves understanding and addressing the underlying imbalances and dysfunctions in the body that contribute to the development and persistence of the condition. It takes a holistic approach by considering the interconnectedness of various bodily systems and the impact of lifestyle factors on overall health.
Integrating functional medicine strategies alongside standard treatments can provide a comprehensive approach to address the underlying imbalances and optimize overall health and well-being for individuals with PTSD.
Foundations of Functional Medicine for PTSD:
- Comprehensive Assessment: identify the root causes of symptoms by conducting a thorough assessment of a person's medical history, lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions. This assessment helps to identify potential triggers and imbalances that may be contributing to the development or exacerbation of PTSD symptoms.
- Individualized Treatment: The focus is on understanding the specific needs and imbalances of the individual and tailoring the treatment accordingly. This may involve various interventions such as dietary modifications, nutritional supplementation, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes.
- Addressing Neuroinflammation: Chronic inflammation in the brain is believed to play a role in the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms. Identify and address factors that contribute to neuroinflammation, such as poor diet, gut imbalances, chronic infections, and environmental toxins.
- Balancing Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, can contribute to mood disturbances and anxiety commonly seen in PTSD. Functional medicine addresses these imbalances using targeted supplementation, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
- Optimizing Gut Health: A strong gut-brain axis is crucial for optimal mental health. Imbalances in the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability (leaky gut) can affect neurotransmitter production and immune function, potentially contributing to PTSD symptoms.
- Nutritional Support: Nutrient deficiencies can impact brain function and mood. Supplementation for deficiencies are recommended to support overall health and assist in the management of PTSD symptoms. This may include nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, and many others.
- Stress Management Techniques: Functional medicine recognizes the importance of managing stress in PTSD. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and other relaxation techniques may be recommended to help regulate the stress response and improve overall well-being.
Leading-Edge Treatment Modalities for PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
EMDR involves the patient recalling traumatic memories while making specific eye movements. This process is believed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. EMDR has shown promise in several clinical trials, and further research continues to explore its potential.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET):
VRET uses virtual reality technology to create immersive environments allowing patients to confront and process traumatic memories in a safe, controlled setting. Early studies indicate that VRET can be a viable alternative to traditional exposure therapy, especially for those who find it challenging to visualize scenarios or for treating combat-related PTSD.
Ice Baths and Mindfulness:
The potential mental health benefits of ice baths are now receiving increased attention for PTSD and anxiety relief. Ice baths involve immersing the body in water cooled to temperatures between 50-59°F for short durations, typically around 10-15 minutes.
Being submerged in cold water requires a certain level of mindfulness as it demands intense focus on the body and the present moment. This practice can help distract from intrusive thoughts and memories often associated with PTSD and provide a sense of control and accomplishment, both of which are crucial in PTSD management.
Neurofeedback:
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback where real-time displays of brain activity are used to teach self-regulation of brain function. This method aims to alter the neural pathways involved in the stress response.
Adjunctive Treatments:
Research has been investigating the potential use of cannabinoids and psychedelics in conjunction with psychotherapy for PTSD treatment. These treatments aim to enhance the therapeutic process and provide long-term relief, but are still going through the federal legality process.
Final Thoughts
PTSD is a complex and debilitating disorder resulting from exposure to traumatic events. Functional medicine is significantly impacting the long-term relief of PTSD by taking a holistic approach that focuses on root causes and incorporates dietary changes, gut health optimization, lifestyle modifications, and sleep hygiene improvements, which together aim to provide sustainable and comprehensive management of the disorder.
Although significant strides have been made in understanding its neurobiological foundations and improving treatment options, many individuals still suffer long-term effects of PTSD and are unable to achieve full recovery and relief. The increase of innovative therapies such as EMDR, VRET, neurofeedback, cold exposure, and adjunctive treatments presents a promising frontier in PTSD treatment.
The goal of PTSD research is to provide those affected with a broad array of effective, personalized treatment options that address the disorder's complex nature. With continued research efforts, it's hoped that recovery from PTSD will become a reality for more and more individuals in the coming years.
Thank