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.
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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.
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.
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.
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What this means
Your norepinephrine level is elevated above the optimal range, which may indicate excess stress hormone production. While this can sometimes occur during periods of high stress or anxiety, persistently elevated levels may suggest a hormone-producing tumor or other medical condition that requires further evaluation.
Recommended actions
Discuss these results with your doctor, especially if you have symptoms like rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure
Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to check for hormone-producing tumors
Avoid stimulants like caffeine and ensure adequate rest before any repeat testing
Follow up with additional testing as recommended by your healthcare provider
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