Biological mechanisms underlying adverse mental health outcome after trauma

Abstract

By now it is well known that trauma-related psychiatric disorders are associated with a broad range of biological dysregulations. This special issue focused on research aiming to advance our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying adverse mental health outcome after trauma, in particular the development of trauma-related disorders and differences in individual susceptibility (i.e. risk or resilience) to their development. We included 51 papers published in EJPT between 2021 and 2023, either directly submitted to the special issue or whose focus clearly fitted the aim of the special issue. Included papers consisted of 43 original research papers and 8 review articles, addressing a wide range of biological processes, ranging from brain and central nervous system functioning, to cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system functioning; endocrinology; (epi)genetics; metabolism; inflammation; sleep and pain. Collectively, the included articles showcase that significant steps are taken in advancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying development of and susceptibility to trauma-related disorders, as well their recovery. Recommendations for future research are provided with regard to study design; assessment of trauma exposure characteristics; sex and/or gender (minority)-related factors; geographic, developmental/lifespan and transgenerational aspects; and the temporal dynamics of biological processes in relation to the stage of the disorder under investigation. Together, these articles will hopefully further facilitate the development of more effective preventive, early and curative intervention strategies, as well as more effective timely and personalised allocation towards these interventions.