response system is complex27. In addition, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is also released in response to stress, has antiglucocorticoid effects in the brain. Higher DHEA sulphate/cortisol ratios in individuals undergoing rigorous military survival training were associated with lower dissociative symptoms and better military performance, possibly indicating higher resilience to stress28. In a study of male veterans with PTSD, higher DHEA levels were associated with symptom improvement29. DHEA has additional central effects in the brain, notably on the GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-ergic system, which could also play a part in resilience30.
