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A Global Look at PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.9% of the global population has experienced PTSD at some point in their lives. In the United States, this number is even higher, exceeding 6% of the population. PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and its effects can last for months or even years. While researchers have studied PTSD extensively, many aspects of the disorder remain unclear.
A New Study Brings Fresh Insights
A recent study conducted by anthropologists, social scientists, and military veterans from Arizona State University and the Naval Postgraduate School aims to expand our understanding of PTSD. This research is unique because it explores how PTSD affects hormone levels in individuals from a non-industrialized society. The study specifically examines the relationship between PTSD and two key hormones—cortisol and testosterone—to determine whether the biological responses to trauma differ across cultures.
Western Studies and Their Limitations
Until now, most studies on PTSD and hormones have focused on individuals from Western and European industrialized societies. These studies have typically included people who developed PTSD due to car accidents, physical assaults, or repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as multiple military deployments. According to Ben Trumble, a researcher at the Institute of Human Origins and an associate professor at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, these studies have shown a distinct hormonal pattern among PTSD sufferers.
How PTSD Affects Hormone Levels
In people without PTSD, hormone levels follow a specific pattern throughout the day. Testosterone and cortisol levels are usually at their highest shortly after waking up. As the day progresses, these hormone levels decrease significantly, remain low throughout the day, and then rise again at night. However, past research has found that individuals diagnosed with PTSD do not exhibit these normal fluctuations in cortisol levels. Instead, they experience "blunted" cortisol levels, meaning that their hormone levels remain relatively constant throughout the day without the expected rises and falls.
Investigating Cultural Differences
Trumble and his colleagues wanted to investigate whether this same hormonal pattern exists in people from non-industrialized communities who have experienced similar traumatic events. By expanding the scope of PTSD research beyond Western societies, the study aims to determine whether cultural and environmental factors play a role in how PTSD affects the body.
Moving Towards a Broader Understanding
This new research represents an important step in broadening our understanding of PTSD. By studying a wider range of populations, scientists can gain deeper insights into how PTSD manifests across different cultures. This knowledge could help improve mental health treatments by tailoring them to better fit the needs of diverse communities. As researchers continue to explore the complexities of PTSD, this study offers a crucial piece of the puzzle, helping us understand not only the psychological but also the physiological effects of trauma on the human body.
This study is unique because it looks at how stress hormones (cortisol) and a male hormone (testosterone) are affected by trauma in a specific group of people: the Turkana. These people are livestock herders in Kenya who often face dangerous combat situations.
Why the Turkana?
- High Combat Exposure: The Turkana frequently participate in cattle raids, which often involve fighting and violence. This means a lot of them experience traumatic events.
- High PTSD Rate: A significant number of Turkana men (28%) show signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Similar Backgrounds: Because they share a similar lifestyle, culture, and gender, the researchers can compare men with PTSD to those without it more accurately. It's like comparing "apples to apples" instead of different groups.
What the Researchers Found:
- Cortisol Levels: The researchers expected to see differences in cortisol levels between the men with PTSD and those without. However, they found that both groups had very similar cortisol patterns. This means that in this specific group, cortisol levels didn't seem to be a clear indicator of PTSD.
- Testosterone Levels: Interestingly, men with PTSD had lower testosterone levels in the morning compared to men without PTSD. This suggests that testosterone might play a role in how the body responds to trauma in this group.
The Importance of the Study:
- Challenging Assumptions: The findings suggest that how our bodies react to combat stress might be more complex than previously thought. It shows that studies done on people in developed countries may not apply to all cultures.
- Real-World Implications: The researchers warn against accepting simple explanations about how the body reacts to stress, especially when those explanations are used to sell products or services.
- Understanding Trauma in Different Cultures: The Turkana's experiences highlight that trauma can have different biological effects depending on a person's cultural background and environment.
- The Danger of the Turkana lifestyle: The research also highlights the very real dangers that the Turkana face, where raiding is very common and can often result in death.
The Origins of the Study
Since 2007, researcher Mathew has built a strong relationship with the Turkana people, which has led to this research project and several others. These studies have provided valuable insights into non-industrialized cooperation, cultural traditions, and the role of warfare in shaping societal norms. Through this long-term engagement, scientists have been able to explore how cultural practices influence responses to trauma, particularly in relation to PTSD.
Investigating Cortisol Levels in PTSD Patients
One of the most intriguing findings of the study is the difference in cortisol levels between Turkana individuals diagnosed with PTSD and those from Western populations. Unlike in Western societies, where PTSD sufferers typically exhibit "blunted" cortisol levels, Turkana individuals with PTSD show normal cortisol levels. This discovery raises an important question: Why do Turkana PTSD sufferers not experience the same hormonal dysregulation as their Western counterparts?
Possible Explanations: Physical Activity and Cultural Influence
The study explores multiple factors that could contribute to these differences. One possible explanation is the high level of physical activity among the Turkana, which may help regulate stress hormones more effectively. Additionally, cultural practices and community dynamics play a crucial role.
In a previous publication, researchers Zefferman and Mathew highlighted key differences between Turkana warriors and soldiers in modern nation-states. Unlike Western soldiers, Turkana warriors receive strong community support, hold elevated social status, and participate in culturally significant rituals following raids. Furthermore, they remain deeply connected with their civilian community, which may provide a strong psychological support system. These cultural traditions may help buffer them from some of the negative physiological effects commonly associated with combat trauma.
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