Cortisol & PTSD / cPTSD

Fearful or stressful events can trigger a brief release of cortisol and adrenaline in the body, to prepare us to respond to the event or perceived threat. For example, it elevates the heart rate to increase oxygen supply to muscles, triggers the release of glucose as a source of immediate fuel for the muscles/body, makes us feel more alert and supresses other systems in the body, so the maximum energy and resource is available to escape or fight the perceived threat. 

This response is usually self-limiting, once the threat has passed, cortisol levels return to baseline and the bodily systems resume their normal functioning.

Brief overview:

Cortisol is an essential hormone (chemical messenger) that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body.  It helps regulate:

• Blood sugar levels (counterbalancing the effect of insulin, by releasing glucose into the blood).

• Blood pressure.  (elevated cortisol levels can elevate blood pressure, and vice-versa).

• Sleep wake cycle (elevated levels in the morning help wake & get up.  Lower levels in the evening before you go to sleep).

• Metabolism (control the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates),

• The immune system

• Supressing inflammation (for brief periods to boost the immune system).  The body will adjust to chronically high levels of cortisol, leading to inflammation and a weaker immune system.

Bodily systems affected include:

• Nervous system

• Immune system

• Cardiovascular system

• Reproductive system (male and female)

• Integumentary system (hair, skin, nails, glands, nerves)

The release of cortisol also triggers a release of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

However, for people that experience sustained stress or the ongoing effects of trauma, such as PTSD or complex PTSD, cortisol levels can remain elevated (or low) as the fight/flight response system remains activated.

Sustained elevated cortisol levels may influence the following:

• Insulin resistance (leading to elevated blood glucose levels and potentially type 2 diabetes).

• Weight gain through increased fat storage (additionally, sustained stress can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, further contributing to weight gain)

• Sustained elevated blood pressure and changes to heart rate or rhythm (elevating risk of a heart attack)

• Difficulty concentrating

• Mood changes such as depression and anxiety

• Reduced ‘good’ gut bacteria

• Impair memory and learning

Sustained low levels of cortisol may influence:

• Weight loss/decrease appetite

• Fatigue

• Low blood sugar

• Muscular / bone pain

• Nausea, dizziness, vomiting or abdominal pain

• Salt cravings

Understanding the complexities and long-term effects of trauma can help developing insight and assist the healing/resolution process, away from self-deprecation.  This highlights the importance of engaging with a therapist that specialises in trauma focused psychological therapy, able to offer information on the impact of trauma on the brain and body, in addition to the right, evidence-based therapy.

Visit our website at www.vistatherapy.com.au to find out more about the impact of trauma, the therapies we offer and to book an appointment. Education on trauma is an integral part of our therapy service and assists in facilitating positive therapeutic outcomes.

To enhance your knowledge on the impact of trauma, why not enrol in our 2-day trauma masterclass workshop?  Visit our website workshop page here: Training Workshops for more details and to enrol.