Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It is estimated that about 7-8% of people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

While the psychological effects of PTSD are well-known, scientists are now discovering that there may be a link between PTSD and autoimmune diseases.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are a type of disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. Normally, the immune system is designed to protect the body from harm by attacking foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.

However, in people with autoimmune diseases, the immune system becomes confused and attacks healthy cells, causing damage and inflammation.

Some common autoimmune diseases include:.

Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Celiac disease
Multiple sclerosis
Type 1 diabetes

The link between PTSD and autoimmune diseases

Scientists are still trying to understand the link between PTSD and autoimmune diseases, but it is believed that chronic stress and inflammation play a role.

When a person experiences trauma, their body goes into survival mode and releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In the short term, these hormones are helpful for dealing with immediate danger, but over time, chronic stress can cause inflammation and damage to the body.

One study found that women who experienced childhood abuse were more likely to develop autoimmune diseases later in life.

Another study found that Vietnam War veterans with PTSD had higher levels of inflammation and were more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than veterans without PTSD. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between PTSD and autoimmune diseases.

Managing PTSD and autoimmune diseases

If you have PTSD and are concerned about developing an autoimmune disease, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce inflammation in the body:.

Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or yoga
Get regular exercise, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body
Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Get enough sleep, which is essential for overall health and immune function
Seek treatment for PTSD, which may include therapy or medication to manage symptoms

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Conclusion

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can have unexpected physical consequences. While the link between PTSD and autoimmune diseases is still being studied, it’s clear that chronic stress and inflammation play a role.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to manage both PTSD and autoimmune diseases, including stress-reducing techniques, regular exercise, and seeking treatment from a healthcare provider.