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PTSD has existed for years, but the American Psychiatric Association (APA) did not formally recognize it until 1980. Thankfully, talk of it today is becoming more and more prevalent.
The stigma once associated with the disorder has been removed and medical professionals of all types are learning how to best help those diagnosed with it. All of this new research has brought about information regarding PTSD and the effects that it has on the body – the entire body.
PTSD is short for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Those who are formally diagnosed with the disorder are usually survivors of something tragic, traumatic, or incredibly stressful. While it varies for each individual, this could be a natural disaster, war or combat, witnessing a tragedy, an increasingly more common terrorist attack, a violent personal attack, etc.
Long after these events have taken place, an individual with PTSD will continue to have disturbing thoughts, feelings, and even nightmares concerning the trauma. It leads to a never-ending horrific experience.
The most common symptoms associated with PTSD are:
Research suggests that there appears to be a link between thyroid function and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in two ways. First, when you suffer a traumatic event in your life, there are changes that occur within your body. These include both biological and psychological changes. As a result, the neurochemical fluctuations that occur can have a significant impact on the systems of the body, including the thyroid and hormone functions.
Another way in which PTSD is linked to the thyroid is credited to the stress that the disorder brings. Those with PTSD are constantly in a state of stress, whether through flashbacks, nightmares, or paranoia that it is going to happen again. Its proven that an elevated level of stress can physically cause harm to the body – and the thyroid is one that easily becomes affected.
Consider this: Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid is overactive. That means that it is producing and releasing hormones at an increased rate into your bloodstream. As the hormones flow throughout your body to your organs and other tissues, it bombards them at an overwhelming frequency. How does this make one feel? Someone with hyperthyroidism often feels restless, jittery, and full of anxiety. Sound like some symptoms of PTSD?
Now, imagine combining the two. Sounds even more stressful, doesn’t it?
It is possible that your thyroid function is inflating some of your PTSD symptoms. Improving your thyroid function may very well have a positive impact on your overall life. So, why don’t the medical professionals look into it?
PTSD has a lot of strong symptoms that are very real – and very life changing. Most medical doctors will refer these clients to counselors and therapists for treatment. With all of the impacts that PTSD has on one’s life, it is easy to believe that the way you feel is a direct result of the PTSD.
To determine if there is, in fact, an issue with your thyroid, you would need to have bloodwork and various other lab tests done. And, even then, if your doctor is not looking for it, this dysfunction may be missed.
Yes! Our office is committed to helping our clients create wellness and balance in their lives. By performing lab tests, we can determine what is going on at the root of your health. Then, we work with you in designing a plan for healing.
As someone who has PTSD, you have likely been taught many stress-reduction techniques and other coping-skill-type exercises. We will combine these with a healthy diet and supplements tailored to your body’s needs. Together, you may discover that your body responds in a highly positive manner.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pensive-woman-looking-at-window-3769012/
