Recent progress in understanding the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder: Implications for targeted pharmacological treatment

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and chronic anxiety disorder that can result after exposure to a traumatic event. Though our understanding of the aetiology of PTSD is incomplete, several neurobiological systems have been implicated in the pathophysiology and vulnerability towards developing PTSD after trauma exposure. We aimed to provide a concise review of benchmark findings in important neurobiological systems related to the aetiology and maintenance of PTSD symptomology. Specifically, we discuss functional aetiologies in the noradrenergic, serotonergic, endogenous cannabinoid and opioid systems as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. This article provides a succinct framework to appreciate the current understanding of neurobiological mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of PTSD and how these findings may impact the development of future, targeted pharmacological treatments for this debilitating disorder. © 2013 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.