It is proven by research that post-traumatic stress can trigger biological changes in the body and brain. When individuals experience traumatic experience, the release of cortisol activates sympathetic nervous pathways and generates negative feedback to both the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary. This negative feedback system appears to be compromised in patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. This leads to the sympathetic nervous system to sustain an extended period of overactive state after exposure to trauma and stressors. As a result, many PTSD symptoms like increased heart rate, flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks can be manifested. 

The biological changes caused by both PTSD and secondary PTSD can be seen on a brain scan, the same way you can see in a brain injury. That is one of the many reasons why field-leading experts are now dropping the "D" in the "PTSD" and referring to the condition as the biological injury it is – Post Traumatic Stress Injury.

Stella believes PTSD/PTSI is a physical injury to the brain that can be treated biologically. Our cutting-edge treatments like the Dual Sympathetic Reset and Ketamine Assisted Therapy addresses the biological changes caused by trauma and stress, which helps create a safe space for the patients' healing without the constant attack from debilitating symptoms. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by experiencing a traumatic event or stressful situation. Typically, the events that may cause PTSD are extremely distressing or involve a significant threat to a person's physical or emotional well-being. While not exhaustive, here are 17 common signs and symptoms of PTSD/PTSI:

• Adoption
• Bullying or hazing
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Childhood neglect
• COVID-related trauma (e.g., hospitalization for COVID, post-COVID health challenges)
• Combat and/or warfare
• Death or injury of a loved one
• Divorce
• Domestic abuse
• First responder trauma (for healthcare workers, EMTs, and LEOs)
• Homelessness
• LGBTQ+ trauma (e.g., harassment, rejection, identity crisis)
• Loss of pregnancy
• Natural disaster
• Non-physical interpersonal abuse (e.g., emotional abuse by a narcissistic individual
• Personal health issues
• Physical violence or threat
• Political/ national refugee-related trauma
• Racial trauma
• Reproductive challenges/ infertility
• Secondary PTSD
• Sexual assault
• Sports injury
• Victim of crime by a stranger (e.g., mugging, break-in, robbery)
• Witnessing a traumatic event
• Workplace injury or job-related accident
• Workplace abuse, loss, harassment, or other related workplace trauma

Trauma can cause symptoms that diminish our capacity to experience warm and loving feelings from others (i.e., emotional numbness), which can lead to profound negative changes to our self-image and identity and spark fears that often limit our enjoyment of pleasurable activities. When we have symptoms following trauma exposure, we may have recurring feelings of helplessness and horror. We also commonly experience panic attacks, feelings of self-blame and shame, chronically disrupted sleep, and relationship conflicts with loved ones.

While there could be more in reality, Many mental healthcare resources highlight the below 17 most common symptoms of PTSD.  

• Agitation
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Flashbacks
• Hypervigilance
• Nightmares
• Problems with concentration or thinking
• Problems with memory
• Headaches
• Depression and crying spells
• Suicidal ideation
• Mood swings
• Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
• Panic episodes
• Paranoia
• Shakiness
• Substance abuse
• Sleep disturbances

While the main causes and symptoms of PTSD are similar in men and women, there can be some differences in how the PTSD is experienced between the two genders.

• Prevalence: According to research published by American Psychological Association (APA), while males have a higher risk for traumatic events, women suffer from higher PTSD rates. This is partly due to the fact that women are more likely to experience certain types of trauma, such as sexual assault and interpersonal violence, which are strongly associated with the development of PTSD.
• Trauma types:While some trauma types like childhood trauma are prevalent in both men and women, the two genders are prone to be exposed to different types of trauma. Studies show that females are more likely to experience sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while males are more likely to experience trauma related to accidents, nonsexual assaults, combat or war.
• Symptoms: While the core symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors, are similar for both men and women, some studies have suggested that women may experience certain symptoms more intensely. For example, women with PTSD may report higher levels of emotional numbing and avoidance than men.
• Comorbid Conditions: Men with PTSD may be more likely to develop co-occurring substance use disorders, while women may be more prone to experience comorbid mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
• Help-seeking behavior: Societal norms and expectations can influence how men and women respond to mental health challenges. Men may be more reluctant to seek help due to cultural factors emphasizing stoicism and emotional restraint, while women may be more willing to seek support and treatment

Stella is a pioneer in providing multi-modality mental health care using science-based biological treatments. While traditional treatment for PTSD like talk therapy and medication can help patients process and heal trauma from a cognitive and chemical perspective, treatment by Stella helps address the biological root cause of PTSD by treating the physical injury to the brain caused by trauma. By leveraging cutting-edge treatments like DSR SGB and Ketamine assisted psychotherapy to regulate the brain's overactive sympathetic nervous system, and create new neural pathways that transform an individual's belief system, we help create a safe space for the patients' healing without the constant attack from debilitating trauma symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares and hypervigillance.

Please call 908-293-7559 to schedule an intake assessment with our Advanced Practice Provider to determine you can benefit from Treatment by Stella. Our trauma informed clinical team will create a curated care plan based on your symptoms, health history and experience.