Chronic occupational exposures can influence the rate of PTSD and depressive disorders in first responders and military personnel

AbstractBackgroundFirst responders and military personnel experience rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) far in excess of the general population. Although exposure to acute traumatic events plays a role in the genesis of these disorders, in this review, we present an argument that the occupational and environmental conditions where these workers operate are also likely contributors.Presentation of the hypothesisFirst responders and military personnel face occupational exposures that have been associated with altered immune and inflammatory activity. In turn, these physiological responses are linked to altered moods and feelings of well-being which may provide priming conditions that compromise individual resilience, and increase the risk of PTSD and depression when subsequently exposed to acute traumatic events. These exposures include heat, smoke, and sleep restriction, and physical injury often alongside heavy physical exertion. Provided the stimulus is sufficient, these exposures have been linked to inflammatory activity and modification of the hypothalamic –pituitary axis (HPA), offering a mechanism for the high rates of PTSD and depressive disorders in these occupations.Testing the hypothesisTo test this hypothesis in the future, a case –control approach is suggested that compares individuals with PTSD or depressive disorders with healthy colleagues in a retrospective framework. This approach should characterise the relationships between altered immune and...

Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - July 15, 2016 Category: Physiology Source Type: research