Blood Test Biomarkers Reveal Hidden Physical Effects of PTSD

Researchers have identified a set of biological markers in the blood that are linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), potentially offering clinicians a new way to diagnose and manage the condition. The findings, published on April 7, 2026, in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, suggest that PTSD causes widespread physical changes across multiple organ systems.

The study was a collaborative effort involving researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Mass General Brigham (MGB) and the Broad Trauma Initiative. By analyzing data from nearly 24,000 adult participants in the Mass General Brigham Biobank, the team examined genomic samples and laboratory test results to determine how the disorder manifests physically in the body.

Mapping the Physical Impact of PTSD

To identify these markers, scientists evaluated both genetic risk—based on known PTSD-related genetic variants—and clinical risk, utilizing diagnoses found in participants’ health records. This dual approach allowed the team to isolate 16 biomarkers that were linked to both the genetic predisposition for PTSD and a confirmed diagnostic history of the disorder.

The identified biomarkers are not specialized tests but are found in routine blood work. These include:

• Cholesterol and glucose levels
• Liver indicators, specifically albumin and bilirubin
• Red and white blood cell counts

The researchers noted that the analysis suggests PTSD is the likely cause of changes in these biomarkers, rather than the biomarkers contributing to the development of the disorder.

Multi-System Health Effects

The discovery highlights that PTSD is not limited to psychological distress but has a measurable impact on a patient’s overall physical health. According to the researchers, the disorder can affect cardiometabolic health, immune health, and hepatic (liver) health.

“Our study suggests that PTSD could lead to widespread physical changes affecting cardiometabolic health, immune health, and hepatic health. This multi-system impact helps us understand why untreated PTSD can have such devastating effects on patients’ overall health.”

Younga Heather Lee, department associate in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

This systemic impact explains why individuals living with untreated PTSD often face a higher risk of chronic physical diseases. By identifying these markers, medical professionals may be able to spot the hidden physical toll of the disorder even when a patient is not explicitly reporting all their symptoms.

Implications for Clinical Care

The ability to use scalable, blood-based biomarkers could shift how PTSD is managed in a clinical setting. Because these markers are detectable through everyday lab tests, they may provide a tool for more timely interventions.

“Finding scalable, blood-based biomarkers could help inform timely interventions aimed at mitigating chronic disease risk, which could ultimately improve long-term health outcomes among patients living with PTSD.”

Younga Heather Lee, department associate in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

The research team, which included lead author Younga Heather Lee along with Yingzhe Zhang, Ana Lucia Espinosa Dice, Karestan Koenen, Andrea Roberts, and Natalie Slopen, suggests that these biological markers could eventually assist in the objective diagnosis of the condition and the monitoring of a patient’s response to treatment.