Researchers at UCLA have made significant strides in understanding the physical health implications of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their recent findings indicate that early mental health treatment for PTSD may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by as much as 50%. This research highlights the critical link between mental health and physical health outcomes, particularly for those affected by trauma.
Dr. Jennifer Sumner, a clinical psychologist at UCLA, underscores the prevalence of traumatic experiences, noting that most individuals will encounter a traumatic event at least once in their lives. The research aims to enhance the quality of life for those who endure trauma, which can stem from various sources, including car accidents, military combat, and natural disasters. Initial reactions to trauma often manifest as nightmares, heightened anxiety, or intrusive thoughts, which, if persistent beyond a month, can lead to a diagnosis of PTSD.
PTSD has been associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues, with studies revealing an increased risk of coronary heart disease by 50–60%. Dr. Sumner’s research not only addresses the general population but also focuses on specific groups that have historically faced unique vulnerabilities, including women who often experience poorer mental and cardiovascular health outcomes after trauma.
The Sumner Stress Lab discovered that mental health interventions can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, including conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. A study involving over 600,000 women veterans from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration found that antidepressant medications substantially reduced the onset of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among individuals with PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
In collaboration with cardiologist Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, Sumner’s team analyzed cardiovascular disease rates over several years following the prescription of antidepressants. Their findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, revealed that the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was halved over a five-year period for women veterans receiving antidepressant treatment compared to those who did not.
The ongoing research aims to expand on these findings by examining how leading psychotherapies and antidepressants for PTSD affect cardiovascular risk among a larger group of veterans. The current study reviews health data from approximately 2 million VA patientsNational Institutes of Health since Dr. Sumner’s initial postdoctoral grant.
In her outreach efforts, Dr. Sumner aims to raise awareness about the effects of trauma on both mental and cardiovascular health, advocating for targeted screenings to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Her research also investigates the underlying causes of cardiovascular risks associated with PTSD, which may include lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor dietary habits, often adopted as coping mechanisms.
Additionally, Dr. Sumner points out the physiological aspects of PTSD, such as increased systemic inflammation in affected individuals. This inflammation is linked to various health complications, including cardiovascular disease and accelerated aging, which are prevalent among patients with PTSD.
Further investigations are essential to delineate the mechanisms by which trauma elevates cardiovascular disease risk and to identify which treatments yield the greatest benefits for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Sumner remains optimistic that continued research will enhance understanding, improve healthcare outcomes, and ultimately transform lives.
