Risk of PTSD may depend on genetics
By William Smith
In some cases, a particular genetic profile is associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study suggests.
The research study was lead by Kerry J. Ressler, M.D., Ph.D. from Emory University.
Researchers found that certain variants of a gene that helps regulate serotonin may be a useful predictor of the risk of symptoms related to PTSD following a trauma. Serotonin is a brain chemical which relates to mood.
‘One of the critical questions surrounding PTSD is why some individuals are t risk for developing the disorder following a trauma while others appear to be relatively resilient. It is known that genetic heritability is one component of the differential risk for PTSD, but the mechanisms remain relatively unknown.’ said Ressler.
Psychological data taken from college students who had been interviewed for a study prior to a 2008 mass shooting on the Northern Illinois University campus, and then were interviewed afterwards, was compared by researchers in this study.
The researchers then compared the psychological data with the genetic variants of the serotonin transporter gene found in students who developed PTSD and/or acute stress disorder symptoms.
Ressler said ‘We believe that the strength of this study is the availability of the same validated survey measure to assess PTSD symptoms prior to and after a shared acute traumatic event.’
The findings suggest that some functions of the serotonin transporter gene may cause or prevent response to a severe trauma. The authors state that this is consistent with current pharmacological treatment of PTSD with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Variants in the gene have previously been found to have an association with different risk factors for depression following general life stress.
The researchers feel that this serotonin transporter genotype may be used as a useful predictor for the risk of PTSD and related symptoms during a period following trauma.
Ressler noted that, importantly, this is one of likely a number of genes that will ultimately be found to contribute to risk and resilience. More of these gene pathways need to be understood and it is hoped that with such findings will come improved treatment and prevention. This would lead to better prediction of the risk for PTSD following exposure to trauma.
Source: Emory University
