Cumulative trauma, neural circuits, and burnout: an integrative model of healthcare worker post-traumatic stress syndromes

Mar 17, 2026European journal of psychotraumatology

How repeated trauma and brain circuit changes relate to burnout and stress symptoms in healthcare workers

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Abstract

prevalence among healthcare workers is variable, ranging from 15-74%.

  • Repeated, chronic, and unpredictable occupational trauma can disrupt brain circuits involved in emotional regulation and stress response.
  • Circadian rhythm disruption, common in shift work, may contribute to heightened stress and exacerbate the risk of post-traumatic stress syndromes.
  • Multimodal biomarkers, including brain imaging and physiological measures, could help identify early dysregulation and assess risk for PTSS.
  • There is a need for longitudinal studies to monitor the progression of PTSS and evaluate targeted treatment approaches.
  • Conceptualizing HCW PTSS as an occupational neurobiological injury emphasizes the importance of prevention and intervention strategies.

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Key numbers

15–74%
Prevalence Range
Estimated prevalence of among healthcare workers across various studies.
74% self-reported symptoms
ICU Staff Rate
Reported symptoms of among critical care nurses in Canada.
$232.2 billion
Economic Burden of
Estimated total excess economic burden of in the United States for 2018.

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