
Treating PTSD, CPTSD, and Childhood Trauma; RLT could be the answer
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is gaining attention as a potential treatment for mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), childhood trauma, and abuse. By using low-level red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function, this non-invasive therapy may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected by trauma. While research is still in its early stages, studies show promising results, particularly for PTSD and related conditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore how red light therapy works, what the science says, and its potential for treating these challenging conditions.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing the body—often the brain or skin—to red or near-infrared light wavelengths (typically 600–1000 nm). This light penetrates tissues, stimulating mitochondria to produce more energy (ATP), reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Unlike bright light therapy used for seasonal affective disorder, red light therapy focuses on cellular-level changes, making it a unique tool for addressing neurological and psychological conditions like PTSD.
The therapy is typically administered using LED devices, either transcranially (applied to the scalp) or through other methods like full-body exposure. Sessions are painless, lasting 10–30 minutes, and are often repeated over many months for optimal results.
How Can Red Light Therapy Help with PTSD and Trauma?
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by terrifying events, while CPTSD stems from prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse. Both can cause symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and memory issues. Childhood trauma and abuse, often linked to CPTSD, have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. Red light therapy may help by:
- Reducing Inflammation: Trauma can cause chronic inflammation in the brain, worsening symptoms. Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially calming overactive neural pathways.
- Improving Brain Function: By boosting ATP production, red light therapy enhances neuronal energy, supporting cognitive functions like memory and focus, which are often impaired in PTSD.
- Enhancing Sleep: Sleep disturbances are common in trauma-related conditions. Studies suggest red light therapy improves sleep quality, which is critical for emotional regulation and recovery.
- Regulating Stress Responses: Animal studies show red light therapy can modulate stress-related proteins and gene expression in brain regions like the hippocampus and amygdala, key areas affected by trauma.
What Does the Research Say?
The evidence for red light therapy in treating PTSD, CPTSD, and childhood trauma is promising but preliminary. Below, we summarise key findings from reputable studies.
Human Studies: PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Since PTSD often co-occurs with TBI, many studies focus on this overlap:
- A 2016 study (Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, PMID: 28001756) treated 11 chronic TBI patients with transcranial red/near-infrared LED therapy (18 sessions over 6 weeks). Participants reported fewer PTSD symptoms, better cognition, and an average of one additional hour of sleep per night. Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months showed sustained benefits.
- A 2023 study (Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports, PMID: 36777329) found significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression, pain, and sleep in four ex-football players with possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after red/near-infrared photobiomodulation.
- A 2014 study (Journal of Neurotrauma, PMID: 24568233) reported reduced PTSD symptoms and improved sleep in chronic mild TBI patients treated with transcranial red/near-infrared LEDs.
While these studies are small (4–11 participants) and often open-label, they suggest red light therapy can alleviate PTSD symptoms, particularly in TBI contexts.
Animal Studies: PTSD and Childhood Trauma Models
Animal studies provide stronger mechanistic evidence and are especially relevant for CPTSD and childhood trauma:
- A 2021 study (Translational Psychiatry, PMID: 33953158) showed that transcranial photobiomodulation (808 nm, 7 doses) prevented PTSD-like symptoms in rats exposed to underwater trauma. It reduced anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits while regulating stress-related proteins in the hippocampus and amygdala.
- Another 2021 study (Molecular Psychiatry, PMID: 33859360) found that photobiomodulation prevented PTSD-like memory impairments in rats.
- A 2023 study (Theranostics, PMID: 36793860) modelled early life adversity (similar to childhood trauma) in rats using repeated electric shocks. Daily transcranial photobiomodulation for 7 days prevented cognitive dysfunction and depression-like behaviours, offering hope for childhood trauma treatment.
Potential Benefits and Considerations
Despite limitations, red light therapy offers several advantages:
- Non-Invasive and Safe: It has minimal side effects when used correctly and helps people to avoid using experimental drugs which can have extremely adverse side effects
- Complementary Treatment: It can be combined with therapy or medication for a holistic approach
- Accessible: Home-use devices can be used where you are most comfortable and avoid stress or overstimulation from different surroundings.
Conclusion
Red light therapy is an exciting, non-invasive approach with early evidence suggesting it may help reduce PTSD symptoms, improve sleep, and support brain function. Small human studies show benefits, particularly for PTSD in TBI patients, while animal studies offer hope for PTSD and childhood trauma.
References:
- Light Therapy in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133926/jcm13133926)
- Transcranial Red/Near-Infrared LED Therapy for Chronic TBI (PMID: 28001756)
- Photobiomodulation for Ex-Football Players with Possible CTE (PMID: 36777329)
- Improvements in PTSD Post-Transcranial LED Treatments (PMID: 24568233)
- Photobiomodulation Prevents PTSD-like Comorbidities in Rats (PMID: 33953158)
- Photobiomodulation for PTSD-like Memory Impairments (PMID: 33859360)
- Photobiomodulation for Early Life Adversity in Rats (PMID: 36793860)
- Complex PTSD Causes and Recovery (Medical News Today)