How trauma type and timing can change the story of a biomarker

Traumatic experiences can leave lasting effects on the body, shaping how individuals respond to stress long after the initial event. Understanding how these biological responses change over time is essential for researchers studying trauma and stress-related disorders.

In the recorded webinar “Biological stress responses in individuals with recent versus remote trauma exposure,” psychologist Nicolas Rohleder, whose work focuses on biological and health psychology, explores how the timing and type of trauma influence biological stress patterns.

The session takes a practical approach, examining how these differences affect comparisons between research cohorts.

Throughout the webinar, Rohleder reviews several biomarkers commonly used in stress-response studies, including:

• Cortisol and noradrenaline levels
• Inflammatory cytokines
• Heart rate variability
• Salivary alpha-amylase

The discussion also highlights how biomarker profiles can differ between individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and those who have experienced more recent trauma.

These variations reinforce the importance of carefully interpreting biomarker data when comparing populations and highlight the value of monitoring biological indicators in individuals affected by trauma.

Sign up now to watch the full on-demand webinar.