Question 1

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Accepted Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is caused by dysregulation of the stress response system, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol. The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma (Dopamine) test is the most important test for monitoring how trauma affects stress hormone levels in the body.

Question 2

What causes PTSD?

Accepted Answer

PTSD is caused by exposure to traumatic events that overwhelm the brain's ability to process and cope with extreme stress. Traumatic experiences like combat, sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing violence trigger dysregulation in the stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. This dysregulation leads to persistent elevation of stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol, which keeps the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight readiness even when no threat is present.

Question 3

What is the best test for PTSD?

Accepted Answer

The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma (Dopamine) test is the most important blood test for PTSD because it measures stress hormones including norepinephrine and dopamine that become dysregulated after trauma. PTSD causes elevated norepinephrine levels, which directly contribute to symptoms like hyperarousal, intrusive memories, nightmares, and heightened startle response. This test provides objective data about how trauma has affected your body's stress response system and can help healthcare providers monitor physiological changes alongside mental health treatment. While PTSD is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and psychological assessments, measuring these stress hormones offers valuable insight into the biological impact of trauma on your nervous system.

Question 4

When should I get tested for PTSD?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have experienced a traumatic event and notice persistent symptoms lasting more than a month, including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, or uncontrollable thoughts about the trauma. Get tested if you find yourself avoiding places or people that remind you of the traumatic event, experiencing emotional numbness, or feeling constantly on edge with trouble sleeping and concentrating. Testing is especially important if you notice physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, or panic attacks that interfere with your daily life, work, or relationships, as these may indicate elevated stress hormone levels that can be monitored through blood work.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Accepted Answer

PTSD symptoms include intrusive memories such as recurring flashbacks, distressing dreams, or severe emotional reactions to reminders of the trauma. You might experience avoidance behaviors like staying away from places, people, or activities that trigger memories of the traumatic event, or refusing to talk or think about what happened. Negative changes in thinking and mood include persistent feelings of guilt, shame, detachment from loved ones, inability to experience positive emotions, or distorted beliefs about yourself or the world. Hyperarousal symptoms involve being easily startled, feeling constantly on guard, having trouble sleeping or concentrating, and engaging in self-destructive behavior like reckless driving or substance abuse.

Question 6

Who is at risk for PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event is at risk for PTSD, but certain factors increase vulnerability. Combat veterans, first responders, and emergency personnel face higher risk due to repeated exposure to traumatic situations. Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, childhood abuse, or serious accidents are particularly susceptible. People with a history of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, those who lack strong social support systems, and individuals with a family history of mental health problems have increased risk. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and experiencing additional stress or trauma after the initial event can heighten susceptibility.

Question 7

What happens if PTSD is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated PTSD leads to severe and long-lasting complications that affect every aspect of life. Chronic elevation of stress hormones damages physical health, increasing risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic pain, digestive problems, and weakened immune function. Mental health deteriorates with increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Relationships suffer as emotional numbness, irritability, and avoidance behaviors create distance from family and friends. Work performance declines due to concentration problems, memory issues, and difficulty maintaining employment. The longer PTSD goes untreated, the more entrenched these patterns become, making recovery more challenging and reducing overall quality of life.

Question 8

Can PTSD be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

PTSD cannot be diagnosed with a blood test alone, as it is a mental health condition that requires comprehensive clinical evaluation by a mental health professional using psychological assessments and diagnostic criteria. However, blood tests play a valuable supporting role by measuring stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol that become dysregulated in PTSD. The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test can reveal elevated stress hormone levels that correlate with PTSD symptoms like hyperarousal and hypervigilance. These objective measurements help healthcare providers understand the physiological impact of trauma on your body and monitor changes during treatment, complementing the clinical diagnosis and psychological therapy.

Question 9

How is PTSD treated?

Accepted Answer

PTSD is treated primarily through evidence-based psychotherapy approaches, with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) being the most effective treatments. These therapies help you process traumatic memories, change negative thought patterns, and develop healthy coping strategies. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline or paroxetine can help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances that accompany PTSD. Treatment often combines therapy and medication with stress management techniques, support groups, and lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Comprehensive treatment addresses both the psychological and physiological effects of trauma.

Question 10

How can I prevent PTSD?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot always prevent exposure to traumatic events, you can reduce PTSD risk by seeking immediate support after trauma occurs. Reach out to family, friends, or support groups to talk about your experiences and feelings rather than isolating yourself. Consider short-term counseling or crisis intervention within the first days or weeks after a traumatic event, as early intervention can prevent PTSD from developing. Build resilience before trauma occurs through strong social connections, healthy stress management skills, regular exercise, and maintaining overall mental health. If you work in a high-risk profession, participate in critical incident stress debriefing programs and utilize available mental health resources proactively.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches that support PTSD recovery include regular aerobic exercise, which reduces stress hormones, improves mood, and helps regulate sleep patterns disrupted by trauma. Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the hyperarousal state characteristic of PTSD. Yoga combines physical movement with breath work and has shown effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene, as quality rest is essential for emotional regulation and trauma processing. Spend time in nature, which has calming effects on the nervous system, and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate anxiety and sleep problems. These natural strategies work best when combined with professional treatment, not as replacements for therapy or medication.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

PTSD Blood Test

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

What causes PTSD?

What is the best test for PTSD?

When should I get tested for PTSD?

References

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