Why it may help PTSD: Reduces hyperarousal and nightmares
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PTSD
Get updatesLast reviewed June 12, 2026 · AI-assisted, human-reviewed
Overview
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in a
PTSD is a complex mental health condition that can arise in some individuals following exposure to a traumatic event. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary widely. The condition is characterized by a cluster of symptoms that persist for more than a month and cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. These symptoms are typically grouped into four main categories: intrusive thoughts (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance (e.g., avoiding places or people that remind one of the trauma), negative changes in thinking and mood (e.g., feelings of detachment, negative self-perception), and changes in arousal and reactivity (e.g., irritability, hypervigilance).
The development of PTSD is influenced by a combination of factors, including the nature and severity of the trauma, individual biological and psychological vulnerabilities, and social support systems. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, it is understood to involve alterations in brain regions responsible for fear processing, memory, and emotional regulation. Effective management often involves a multi-faceted approach, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Early intervention and ongoing support are generally considered important for improving outcomes and reducing the long-term impact of PTSD.
View Community DiscussionWhen to seek urgent medical care
- Suicidal thoughts or plans
- Self-harming behaviors
- Inability to function in daily life
- Severe panic attacks
- Intense feelings of hopelessness
- Psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations)
- Aggressive or violent outbursts
- Substance abuse escalating rapidly
Common symptoms
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders
- Negative thoughts about self/world
- Loss of interest in activities
- Feeling detached
- Irritability
- Hypervigilance
- Exaggerated startle response
- Sleep disturbances
Possible contributors
- Experiencing trauma
- Witnessing trauma
- Learning about trauma to a close person
- Repeated exposure to aversive details of trauma
- Genetic predisposition
- Lack of social support post-trauma
- Pre-existing mental health conditions
- Childhood trauma
Labs to discuss with your clinician
- Vitamin D levels
- Omega-3 index
- Magnesium levels (RBC magnesium)
- Thyroid panel
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- CBC
All Remedies
Ranked by community outcomes, then evidence grade, Health Voice mentions, and recency.
Remedies
Vitamin D, a steroid hormone, is crucial for bone health and immune regulation, with growing evidence suggesting its involvement in thyroid disorders and other autoimmune conditions.
- Typical dose
- 2000-5000 IU daily (to maintain optimal levels)
- Mechanism
- Plays a role in brain function and mood regulation; deficiency is linked to mood disorders.
- Notes
- Best taken with a meal containing fat; monitor levels with blood tests.
- Evidence
- moderate
Why it may help PTSD: Rhodiola Rosea may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by enhancing the body's adaptation to stress, reducing fatigue, and improving mood through its influence on neurotransmitters and stress-response systems, which are often dysregulated in PTSD.
Why it may help PTSD: Melatonin may help improve sleep disturbances common in PTSD by regulating circadian rhythms and promoting sleep onset, thereby supporting restorative sleep and potentially reducing symptom severity.
Why it may help PTSD: Holy Basil may help manage PTSD symptoms by acting as an adaptogen, supporting the body's stress response system and potentially reducing the physiological impact of chronic stress and anxiety.
Why it may help PTSD: GABA may help reduce anxiety and hyperarousal in PTSD by acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, calming overactive neural circuits associated with fear and stress responses.
Emerging Research
Why it may help PTSD: Calms acute anxiety
Why it may help PTSD: Supports neurotransmitter recovery
Why it may help PTSD: Exercise may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by reducing hyperarousal and improving mood through the release of endorphins and modulation of neurotransmitters, which can help regulate the dysregulated stress response in PTSD.
Why it may help PTSD: Improves sleep and calm
- Typical dose
- 200-400 mg daily (e.g., Magnesium Glycinate)
- Mechanism
- Involved in neurotransmitter function and stress response, may help with anxiety and sleep.
- Notes
- Magnesium Glycinate is often preferred for its calming effects and good absorption.
- Evidence
- moderate
Why it may help PTSD: Improves PTSD-related depression
Why it may help PTSD: Eases anxiety symptoms
Why it may help PTSD: Reduces stress-related hyperarousal
- Typical dose
- 300-600 mg of root extract daily (standardized to withanolides)
- Mechanism
- Adaptogenic herb that may help the body manage stress and reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Notes
- Generally well-tolerated, but consult a healthcare provider.
- Evidence
- moderate
Why it may help PTSD: Calms hypervigilance
- Typical dose
- 100-200 mg, 1-3 times daily
- Mechanism
- Promotes relaxation without sedation by increasing alpha brain waves and neurotransmitters like GABA.
- Notes
- Often found in Green Tea; can be taken as a supplement.
- Evidence
- moderate
Why it may help PTSD: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) may help with PTSD by modulating glutamate levels and enhancing antioxidant defenses, which can improve neuronal function and reduce oxidative stress implicated in trauma-related disorders.
- Typical dose
- 600-1800 mg daily
- Mechanism
- Precursor to glutathione, an antioxidant; may modulate glutamate and dopamine systems, potentially reducing intrusive thoughts.
- Notes
- Emerging research for psychiatric conditions.
- Evidence
- limited
Why it may help PTSD: Chamomile may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through its mild sedative effects, which can help mitigate the hyperarousal and sleep disturbances often experienced in PTSD.
Why it may help PTSD: Lemon Balm may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by reducing anxiety and improving sleep, as its compounds modulate GABA activity and acetylcholine levels, promoting a calming effect on the nervous system often overstimulated in PTSD.
Why it may help PTSD: Valerian Root may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety, as its active compounds interact with GABA receptors to promote relaxation and counteract the sleep disturbances and hyperarousal common in PTSD.
Why it may help PTSD: Magnesium may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by modulating NMDA receptor activity and reducing neuronal excitability, which can contribute to anxiety and fear responses associated with trauma.
- Typical dose
- 200-400 mg daily (e.g., Magnesium Glycinate)
- Mechanism
- Involved in neurotransmitter function and stress response, may help with anxiety and sleep.
- Notes
- Magnesium Glycinate is often preferred for its calming effects and good absorption.
- Evidence
- moderate
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats, primarily EPA and DHA, that may influence inflammatory and immune pathways, with ongoing research into their potential health applications.
- Typical dose
- 1-2 grams EPA+DHA daily
- Mechanism
- May reduce inflammation and support brain health, potentially modulating mood and anxiety.
- Notes
- Consider Omega-3 Fish Oil or Algal Oil for vegetarians.
- Evidence
- moderate
Community outcomes
What people report for PTSD
Self-reported by community members · not medical advice.
What people report for this condition
Self-reported community outcomes. Not medical advice. Requires at least three reports per remedy to surface.
Community outcome data is still being collected for this ailment.
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Community discussion
Structured experience reports from people managing this condition. Not medical advice.
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Community Discussions
What people say about PTSD
Lifestyle foundations
- Regular physical activity
- Balanced nutrition
- Adequate sleep
- Strong social support
- Stress management techniques
- Avoiding alcohol and illicit drugs
- Mindfulness practices
- Establishing routines
Dietary recommendations
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Increase omega-3 rich foods
- Limit refined carbohydrates
- Adequate protein intake
- Increase fruit and vegetable intake
- Hydration with water
- Limit caffeine
- Reduce processed foods
Lifestyle interventions
- Aerobic exercise 3-5x/week (30-60 min)
- 7-9 hours quality sleep nightly (consistent schedule)
- Daily mindfulness meditation (10-20 min)
- Yoga or Tai Chi 2-3x/week
- Deep breathing exercises daily
- Journaling for emotional processing
- Engage in social activities regularly
- Limit screen time before bed
Evidence at a glance
Moderate Evidence
Omega-3 Fatty AcidsMagnesiumL-TheanineAshwagandhaVitamin DPassionflowerValerian RootRhodiola RoseaExerciseMindfulness meditation
Traditional Use
ChamomileLemon Balm
International evidence & guidelines
How global health authorities view PTSD.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) acknowledges that some complementary health approaches, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, and acupuncture, are being studied for PTSD, but emphasizes that more research is needed. The American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) primarily recommend evidence-based psychotherapies (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and pharmacotherapy as first-line treatments. While some natural remedies show promise for symptom management, they are generally not considered standalone treatments for PTSD by major health bodies and should be used as adjuncts under professional guidance.
Evidence ecosystem
Indexed studies for PTSD, grouped by source type and quality.
Filter by source type
Clinical Guidelines(21)
Recommendations from medical societies (NICE, AHA, ADA, ACG, Endocrine Society…).
Hoge CW, Chard KM, Yehuda R · JAMA psychiatry · 2024
This Viewpoint discusses the updated 2023 clinical practice guidelines issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Department of Defense regarding treatment approaches for posttraumatic stress disorder. This guideline has been developed to advise on the treatment and management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The guideline recommendations have been developed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, PTSD sufferers and guideline methodologists after careful consideration of the best available evidence. (The term ‘PTSD sufferer’ was chosen for use in the guideline on the basis of a survey conducted by sufferer members of the Guideline Development Group. People with the disorder were presented with a range of options such as ‘people with PTSD’, ‘patients with PTSD’ and ‘PTSD sufferer’ and asked to indicate which term they preferred; ‘PTSD sufferer’ was the term favoured by the ma
Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High QualitySchnurr PP, Hamblen JL, Wolf J, Coller R, Collie C, Fuller MA · Annals of internal medicine · 2024
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) worked together to revise the 2017 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder. This article summarizes the 2023 clinical practice guideline (CPG) and its development process, focusing on assessments and treatments for which evidence was sufficient to support a recommendation for or against. Subject experts from both departments developed 12 key questions and reviewed the published literature after a systematic search using the PICOTS (population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, timing of outcomes measurement, and setting) method. The evidence was then evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) method. Recommendations were made after consensus was reached; they were based on quality and strength of evidence and informed by other factors, including feasibility and patient perspectives. On
Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality
Government Health Sources(3)
Public-health agencies: NCCIH, NIH, CDC, NHS.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
NIH/MedlinePlus
This resource provides comprehensive information on PTSD, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies. It is designed to be accessible to the general public.
Government SourceNIH/MedlinePlusHigh QualityNHS: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
NHS
The NHS provides an overview of PTSD, explaining what it is, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments within the UK healthcare system. It's a useful resource for patients and their families seeking accessible health information.
Government SourceNHSHigh QualityTraumatic Brain Injury & Concussion
CDC
While not exclusively about PTSD, the CDC's TBI section often discusses the psychological aftermath of traumatic injuries, which includes PTSD. It provides public health information and prevention strategies related to brain injury.
Government SourceCDCHigh Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(80)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Neurofeedback of Amygdala Activity for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
n=27 · NCT03574974 · TERMINATED · TERMINATED
The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of neurofeedback (NF) of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) data of the amygdala with regards to the reduction of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. A secondary purpose of this study is to use fMRI as a method of investigating brain function in individuals with PTSD. This study approach provides a tool for probing the neurobiology of PTSD by (1) testing the critical role of the amygdala in this disorder, and by (2) examining how amygdala connectivity is related to both amygdala regulation and clinical symptoms.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate QualityEMDR Versus Imagery Rescripting as a Treatment for Trauma-Related Intrusive Images
n=42 · NCT06215313 · ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION · ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of trauma treatments in a sample of patients meeting criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), unipolar depression, or both disorders. The main questions it aims to answer are: * which first line treatment (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing \[EMDR\] vs. Imaginary Rescripting \[IR\]) works better for intrusive experiences in patients with PTSD, patients with a depression, and patients who meet criteria for both diagnoses. * which mechanisms of action cause the treatment effects. Participants will * be randomly assigned to a standard treatment of EMDR or IR * complete daily questionnaires measuring the outcome measures two weeks before the start of their treatment, during their EMDR or IR treatment, and for one month after their treatment. * complete questionnaires measuring the outcome measures and secondary outcome measures at pre-intervention, post-treatment (i.e., 4 weeks after the last intervention session, at the end of the withdrawal phase), and at 6-month follow-up.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate QualityAssessment of Anxiety,Depressive Symptoms &PTSD in Cases of Post Ectopic Pregnancy
n=85 · NCT06721403 · NOT_YET_RECRUITING · NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Assessment of anxiety,depressive symptoms and post traumatic stress after ectopic pregnancy Determine factors associated with development of anxiety,depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress after ectopic pregnancy
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Evidence Summaries(3)
Curated cross-source summaries (TRIP Database and similar).
Cochrane reviews on Posttraumatic stress disorder
Cochrane
The Cochrane Library provides a collection of systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to post-traumatic stress disorder. It offers high-quality, evidence-based assessments of healthcare interventions.
Evidence SummaryCochraneHigh QualityCochrane Library search for 'PTSD'
Cochrane
The Cochrane Library provides systematic reviews and meta-analyses of healthcare interventions related to PTSD. It offers high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making.
Evidence SummaryCochraneHigh QualityTRIP Database
TRIP is a clinical search engine designed to allow users to quickly and easily find high-quality research evidence to support their practice. Searching 'PTSD' yields a wide range of evidence-based resources.
Evidence SummaryTRIP DatabaseHigh Quality
Working alongside conventional care
Conventional treatment for PTSD typically involves psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be prescribed to manage symptoms like depression and anxiety. A combination of therapy and medication is often the most effective a
Related conditions
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Latest News
Latest news on PTSD
Health Videos
Health videos on PTSD
This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. PTSD is a serious mental health condition requiring diagnosis and treatment by qualified healthcare professionals. Do not discontinue prescribed medications or therapies without consulting your do
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