nd MDD, but also that there might be insufficient regulation of the inflammatory actions of the immune system by the low levels of circulating cortisol. “These low levels may not be able to restrain the mechanisms of the immune system,” Gill declared. And an unrestrained immune system could lead to inflammation that could later lead to other health problems, such as CV disease and metabolic diseases.
But questions remain concerning whether treating cortisol levels can have a direct effect on the symptoms of PTSD. “We need more prospective studies to identify when biological changes occur following the advent of trauma, so that we can understand how they are linked to long-term consequences to physical and psychiatric health,” Gill explained. “This could inform the development of interventions to screen and prevent the onset of PTSD as well as the medical consequences associated with it.”
For example, could anti-inflammatories have a preventative effect on PTSD and its subsequent physical symptoms? “NSAIDs have not yet been used to prevent the onset of PTSD. But that’s something we’d like to look at,” Gill said. “There hasn’t been a lot of research to look at pharmaceutical agents to prevent the onset of PTSD. Hopefully future studies will be prospectives so we can look at the trends that may predict the onset of PTSD psychologically and biologically, as well as social factors. Right now we just don’t have enough prospective studies to understand that risk factor profile.”