Veterans diagnosed with PTSD may suffer from neurotransmitter deficiencies associated with disrupted HPA axis function and imbalanced autonomic nervous system function. PTSD patients have a documented enhanced negative feedback cycle of cortisol (Yehuda et al, 1996) and tyrosine hydroxylase as a result of impaired HPA axis function and noradrenergic function respectively. As a result spikes of cortisol production will inhibit  the synthesis of cortisol at the expected times as will spikes of noredreniline inhibit catecholemine production.

Cortisol is one of the few hormones essential for life. It is responsible for a number of actions within the body and its’ release is predominantly influenced by circadian and ultradian rhythms. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter responsible for mood, concentration, craving mechanisms, and many mental and physicial functions that is produced from tyrosine hydroxylase. A dysregulation of cortisol activity and noradreniline can ultimately lead to autonomic nervous systme dysfunction.

The actions of cortisol can be considered a mechanism to mobilize energy sources (amino acids, fatty acids, glycerol) from tissues to provide energy, specifically glucose, for the brain, heart and other vital organs. When the delicate balance of hormone production and dopamine synthesis is disrupted by the chronic stress of reccurrent stimuli the body will reroute vital neurotransmitters and consume amino acids at a greater pace to compensate for the perceived threat by mobilizing energy sources. Over time, this condition witll leave the autonomic and central nervous systems depleted of essential neurotransmitters required to sustain normal physiologic function and ultimately feed the further degradation of an unbalanced system.

The administration of specific amino acid based medical foods such as Sentra AM and Sentra PM can aid the body’s recovery by providing the precursor molecules that restore essential neurotransmitters such as actetycholine, serotonin, and dopamine. Restoring balance back to a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system by reestablishing normal parasymathetic activity is an essential component for solving the PTSD puzzle.