D3-Resp2

Gina Terry

Sep 11 9:40am

Introduction

Your discussion of immune dysregulation following chronic traumatic stress helped me to have a better understanding of how psychological and physical responses to trauma can be connected. One point that especially stood out to me was the importance of not assuming biological changes will look the same in everyone. Although research does support a relationship between PTSD and changes in immune and inflammatory functioning, the variability you discussed reinforces the need to consider the whole person instead of solely relying on biomarkers.

Comparative Feedback

Research does support your discussion of the relationship between PTSD and immune dysregulation. Yontar and Aktan Mutlu (2024) examined systemic inflammatory indicators in those with PTSD and found them to have much higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and systemic immune-inflammation index values. These findings clearly align with your argument that traumatic stress can produce measurable physiological changes beyond the expected psychological symptoms. At the same time, these findings should be considered as a broader part of the assessment rather than as evidence that everyone experiencing trauma will experience the same physiological responses.

Contrasting Feedback

In contrast, Petakh et al. (2024) found through meta-analysis that there were no significant differences between individuals with PTSD and comparison groups across the inflammatory biomarkers. Their findings demonstrate the complicated relationship between trauma and immune functioning, which supports your caution about using specific biomarkers as an indication of PTSD. This contrast is important because it suggests that immune dysregulation may be present in individuals with PTSD without appearing consistently.

Biblical Integration

I also appreciate your emphasis on viewing trauma from the whole-person perspective. Psalm 147:3 states, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wound” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Psalm 147:3). This scripture passage reflects the importance of recognizing and understanding suffering beyond one area of an individual’s life. As Shannonhouse et al. (2024) explain, Christian meaning-making following trauma can explain how faith influences an individual’s understanding of traumatic experiences and how they find meaning within them. From a counseling perspective, acknowledging a client’s spiritual beliefs, when appropriate, can complement psychological, social, and physical functioning. This idea supports the whole-person approach to trauma you discuss, where the complexity of suffering and the importance of individualized healing are both recognized.

Conclusion

Overall, your discussion demonstrates the complex relationship that exists between chronic traumatic stress and immune functioning. Current research provides evidence that there can be measurable inflammatory changes while also highlighting significant variability among individuals. I think this strengthens your point that effective trauma counseling requires an individualized, whole-person approach that considers biological findings along with psychological, social, and spiritual factors.

 

References

English Standard Version Bible. (2001).  ESV Bible. Crossway.

Petakh, P., Oksenych, V., Kamyshna, I., Boisak, I., Lyubomirskaya, K., & Kamyshnyi, O. (2024). Exploring the interplay between posttraumatic stress disorder, gut microbiota, and inflammatory biomarkers: A comprehensive meta-analysis.  Frontiers in Immunology, 15, 1349883. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349883

Shannonhouse, L., Dosal-Terminel, D., Kwag, D., Hall, M. E. L., Davis, E. B., Aten, J. D., O’Grady, K. A., & Captari, L. E. (2024). “God was with me”: A qualitative study of Christian meaning-making among refugees.  Journal of Traumatic Stress, 37(1), 166–177. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22997

Yontar, G., & Aktan Mutlu, E. (2024). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios and systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.  BMC Psychiatry, 24, 966. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-06439-y