ATF6 and depressive symptom measurement: Additionally, the moderate correlation between ATF6 and CECS Depression in controls (ρ = 0.425) versus weaker associations in PTSD groups (e.g., ρ = 0.108 in >5y) infers that non-PTSD individuals may have a different emotional regulation mechanism influenced by stress response pathways, which could be explored for therapeutic targeting in PTSD management.