Psychosocia : Journal of Applied Psychology and Social Psychology
Vol. 3 No. 4 (2025): October 2025

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Systemic Cascade: A Psychoneuroimmunological Systematic Review

Tegar, Muhamad Afif (Unknown)
Algristian, Hafid (Unknown)
Mumpuni, Yekti (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2025

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has traditionally been viewed as a psychiatric condition; however, emerging evidence from psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) demonstrates that PTSD involves systemic physiological dysregulation extending across neural, endocrine, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune domains. This systematic review synthesizes recent findings from studies published between 2004 and 2025 to conceptualize PTSD as a psychoneuroimmunological cascade. Literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was analyzed thematically to identify converging mechanisms of neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic alterations associated with PTSD. The review reveals consistent patterns of  hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, autonomic overactivation, chronic inflammation, gut–microbiota imbalance, and endocrine–immune cross-talk. These interconnected processes form self-perpetuating feedback loops that translate psychological trauma into systemic disease. PTSD should therefore be reframed as a multisystem disorder sustained by psychoneuroimmunological dysregulation rather than as a purely psychological condition. Integrative, multidisciplinary interventions—combining pharmacotherapy, mind–body therapies, and lifestyle modulation—are essential to restore systemic homeostasis and improve long-term outcomes. This reconceptualization expands theoretical understanding of PTSD, bridges psychiatry with internal medicine, and informs trauma-informed clinical and policy practices.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

psychosocia

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Social Sciences

Description

Psychosocia : Journal of Applied Psychology and Social Psychology with ISSN Number 3031-2442 (Online) published by Indonesian Scientific Publication, is a leading peer-reviewed and open-access scientific journal. Since its inception, Psychosocia has been dedicated to publishing high-quality research ...