In bulleted points summarize the varied findings in the studies described in the article The Relationship between Traumatic Stress PTSD and Cortisol. Include the relationships found between cortisol levels and individuals with PTSD.In the notes include some explanations from the article for the variability in cortisol levels in these individuals. Explain the limitations of these studies mentioned by the author at the end of the article. Please Cite attached article.Many researchers have studied how trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impact cortisol a primary stress hormone. Although cortisol dysregulation is common in the general population PTSD appears to hasten cortisol imbalance and its extensive consequences making it an important area of continued study. The following paper provides a brief review of the documented relationship between traumatic stress and cortisol as well as an overview of how cortisol responds to clinical treatments targeting PTSD.The stress responseIn his seminal work Hans Selye1 defined stress as the non-specific response of the body to any demand placed upon it and noted that the bodys reaction to stress (also referred to as the general adaptation syndrome or the stress response) can be activated by both actual and perceived demands.When a stressor is identified the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activates the fight-or-flight response. Cortisol released by the adrenal gland plays a key role in directing physiological and metabolic processes away from long-term management to immediate survival (e.g. increases in heart rate decreases in digestion alterations in immune functioning) and then works together with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to bring the body back to a normal state2. For a detailed review of the stress response please refer to Selye3.Cortisol dysregulation and its consequencesProlonged activation of the stress response can compromise the bodys internal stability resulting in HPA axis dysregulation and alterations in cortisol levels. Chronic illness and disease can then ensue due to cortisols impact on the immune system. Enhanced cortisol activity suppresses cellular immunity increasing susceptibility to infection andThe Relationship between Traumatic Stress PTSD and CortisolBy Eileen Delaney PhDNaval Center for Combat