The Autoimmune Nature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Updated: May 31, 2023
Title Talk: The Autoimmune Nature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Author: Dr. Nakieta M. Lankster CEO and Clinical Director One Heart, Inc. Mental Health Services
Alabama, United States Email Id: drnlankster@drnlankster.com Volume: Memory Disorders 2023_CN36_AA01 International Live Conference on Memory Disorders and Conditions Date: June 03, 2023 Time: 8 PM Indian Standard Time Location: Online Conference Theme: Unraveling the Mysteries of Memory Disorders Abstract: Recent research has explored the functions of microglia and their impact on various psychological disorders. This manuscript explores the manner in which microglial activation and grey matter interact with the symptomology defined as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Specifically, it is proposed that traumatic events cause inflammation which causes microglial overactivation leading to synaptic over-pruning causing grey matter atrophy, and creating a neurological autoimmune response. Further, the brain regions in which over-pruning and atrophy take place have functional reactions that result in PTSD symptoms. The purpose of this manuscript is to propose this theoretical process and highlight areas of potential future research. Biography: Dr. Lankster has over 20 years of healthcare experience, over 15 years of mental health experience, and 6 years of licensure as a clinical psychologist. She is currently the CEO and Clinical Director of One Heartt, Inc. Mental Health Services, an international non-profit organization. In addition, she has private practices in Baltimore, Maryland and Demopolis, Alabama.
She has published literature on trauma, CBT, cultural issues, and more. She is also a peer reviewer for a host of scientific journals.
Her previous experiences have included families, couples, children and adults in San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, and South Africa. Also, subcontracting for a variety of large and small organizations.
She graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology , San Francisco Bay Area campus and has undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of West Alabama. Through her research and work with a diverse base of families and children, she has gained both practical and research-based knowledge on various topics related to psychological issues and emotional disturbance. Currently, she specializes in and researches issues surrounding community and mass trauma, rural mental health, culture related issues, and child therapy.
