Research on Light Therapy and PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. It can significantly affect emotional, cognitive, and physical wellbeing. Emerging research suggests that photobiomodulation (PBM) may offer promising results for easing symptoms of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. It can significantly affect emotional, cognitive, and physical wellbeing. Emerging research suggests that photobiomodulation (PBM) may offer promising results for easing symptoms of PTSD
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can present in different ways depending on the individual, but common symptoms include (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2023):
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Avoidance of reminders, people, or places associated with the trauma
- Negative changes in thinking and mood, including hopelessness and emotional numbness
- Hyperarousal symptoms, such as irritability, difficulty sleeping, or being easily startled
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships and detachment from others
- Physical manifestations of stress such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue
Research Has Identified Neurobiological Markers Linked to PTSD
Neuroanatomical Differences
Structural and functional changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are commonly seen in PTSD, contributing to hyperarousal, intrusive memories, and impaired fear regulation (Shin & Liberzon, 2010).
See the studyNeurotransmitter Dysregulation
Altered serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine signaling are implicated in heightened stress reactivity and negative mood states (Krystal & Neumeister, 2009).
See the studyStress Hormone Imbalance
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis leads to abnormal cortisol responses in PTSD patients (Yehuda, 2002).
See the studyBDNF Variations
The Val66Met polymorphism and reduced BDNF expression may impair neural plasticity and recovery from trauma (Notaras & van den Buuse, 2019).
See the study
What Causes Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD develops after trauma, but not everyone exposed to trauma develops the condition. Risk factors include (National Health Service [NHS], 2022):
- Traumatic events - military combat, sexual assault, accidents, or natural disasters may increase the risk of developing PTSD
- Personality traits - including high levels of anxiety or lack of social support
- Family history of mental illness - particularly anxiety or mood disorders
- Other health conditions - such as brain injury or co-occurring depression and substance use
Scientific Insights - PBMโs Applications for PTSD
Single Session tPBM Aides with PTSD Symptoms
A single session of pulsed 810 nm laser phototherapy administered shortly after traumatic stress effectively prevented PTSD-like behaviors (anxiety and freezing responses) in rats subjected to a severe stress protocol. This was assessed using the open-field, elevated plus maze, and contextual fear conditioning tests. Pulsed phototherapy significantly suppressed c-fos expression in the cingulate cortex area and infralimbic cortex suggesting targeted neuronal modulation in key prefrontal regions (Zhao et al., 2023).
See the studytPBM Reduces Fear Responses
A single session of transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM) administered immediately after a traumatic event reversed contextual amnesia in rats, preserving fear memory and allowing them to distinguish danger from safety. When applied after memory recall, PBM reduced excessive contextual fear responses during both contextual and cued tests (Li et al., 2021).
See the studyPBM Supports Stress Resiliance
Preclinical studies show PBM reduces anxiety-like behaviors and enhances hippocampal BDNF expression, supporting its role in stress resilience (Eshaghi, Sadigh-Eteghad, Mohaddes, & Rasta, 2019).
See the study
FAQs
What results can be expected and when?
Types of results and their timelines vary depending on the individuals. However, a combination of research and anecdotal evidence from providers suggests some expected results to be the following: improved language capabilities, improvements in emotional regulation, decreased repetitive behaviours, and improved social skills/engagement. While some clients may see results very quickly, others may take a few months.
What is mitochondrial dysfunction?
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a term that encapsulates dysfunction in various operations of the mitochondria. With mitochondria being the main energy producers of the cell, dysfunction can lead to reduced ATP (energy) production, increased oxidative stress, and difficulty maintaining healthy cell function. When mitochondria canโt keep up with the bodyโs energy demands or fail to remove damaged components, it can affect brain function, muscle strength, immune response, and overall vitality. Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to many conditions, including fatigue, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders (Zong et al., 2024).
How many PBM sessions will I need?
Benefits can often be noticed within a few sessions, especially related to sleep and mental clarity. For cognitive improvements, consistent use over several weeks or months is typically recommended. As AD is often referred to as a neurodegenerative disease with genetic components, incorporating light therapy as a regular lifestyle habit can support overall brain health and give your brain the best chance to stay at its most performing level over time.
Is PBM safe?
Yes. PBM is FDA-cleared for various applications and has a strong safety profile. Itโs non-invasive, painless, and has no known serious side effects when used as directed.
Learn More About PBM & Brain Health
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tPBM can rapidly improve cognitive processing, with cases showing up to 70 ms gains in healthy users, dramatic recovery post-concussion, and long-term benefits in mild impairment. Even advanced dementia patients show measurable brain activation changes.
References
- Eshaghi, E., Sadigh-Eteghad, S., Mohaddes, G., & Rasta, S. H. (2019). Transcranial photobiomodulation prevents anxiety and depression via changing serotonin and nitric oxide levels in the brain of depression model mice: A study of three different doses of 810 nm laser. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 51(7), 634โ642. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23082
- Krystal, J. H., & Neumeister, A. (2009). Noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms in the neurobiology of post-traumatic stress disorder and resilience. Brain Research, 1293, 13โ23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2009.03.044
- Li, Y., Dong, Y., Yang, L., Tucker, L., Zong, X., Brann, D., Hamblin, M. R., Vazdarjanova, A., & Zhang, Q. (2021). Photobiomodulation prevents PTSD-like memory impairments in rats. Molecular Psychiatry, 26(11), 6666โ6679. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01088-z
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, May 24). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) โ Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
- NHS. (2022, December 14). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). NHS. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/
- Notaras, M., & van den Buuse, M. (2019). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): Novel insights into regulation and genetic variation. Neuroscientist, 25(5), 434โ454. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073858418810142
- Shin, L. M., & Liberzon, I. (2010). The neurocircuitry of fear, stress, and anxiety disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(1), 169โ191. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2009.83
- Yehuda, R. (2002). Post-traumatic stress disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(2), 108โ114. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra012941
- Zhao, H., Li, Y., Luo, T., Chou, W., Sun, T., Liu, H., Qiu, H., Zhu, D., Chen, D., & Gu, Y. (2023). Preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in rats with pulsed 810 nm laser transcranial phototherapy. Translational Psychiatry, 13(1), Article 281. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02583-3