This is only anecdotal, but I think PTSD probably does create permanent changes in the brain. I say this from the perspective of someone who had PTSD (not from military action, people who survive traumatic experiences like a house fire or really bad car wreck can get it, too).
Anyways, I got treatment within just a few weeks of developing symptoms and even with the talk therapy and pills I think it created permanent changes bc I am on a low dose of antidepressant and cannot wean all the way off of it. I tried, failed, and have pretty much resigned myself to it. July will be 11 years since the PTSD occurred.
And I'm struggling to not be a WAW right now. So, that's some anecdotal evidence to support your theory.
