Study Identifies PTSD Genes

A study done by UCLA scientists have linked two genes to the cause of post traumatic stress disorder. Some people will be affected by this disorder, and others who undergo the same experiences will not be affected by PTSD. These genes are in serotonin production, and lead to a higher risk of developing PTSD. The findings suggest that PTSD is inherited, and there may be new ways to screen for it and treat the disorder. Dr. Armen Goenjian, a research professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, says that people can develop post-traumatic stress disorder after surviving a life-threatening ordeal like war, rape or a natural disaster. He says, "If confirmed, our findings could eventually lead to new ways to screen people at risk for PTSD and target specific medicines for preventing and treating the disorder." PTSD can arise following child abuse, terrorist attacks, sexual or physical assault, major accidents, natural disasters or exposure to war or combat. Symptoms include flashbacks, feeling emotionally numb, and avoiding situations that remind the individual of the original trauma.

Goenjian and his team took the DNA of 200 adults from several generations of 12 extended families who suffered PTSD symptoms after surviving the devastating 1988 earthquake in Armenia. In this study of the families' genes, researchers found that those who possessed specific variants of two genes were more likely to develop PTSD symptoms. These genes are TPH1 and TPH2, and they control the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood, sleep and alertness. These symptoms are all disrupted in PTSD. Geonjian suggests that the gene variants produce less serotonin, and predisposes these family members to PTSD after exposure to violence or disaster. He wants to try and replicate the findings in a larger, more heterogeneous population as a next step for the study.  "A diagnostic tool based upon TPH1 and TPH2 could enable military leaders to identify soldiers who are at higher risk of developing PTSD, and reassign their combat duties accordingly," says Goenjian. "Our findings may also help scientists uncover alternative treatments for the disorder, such as gene therapy or new drugs that regulate the chemicals responsible for PTSD symptoms."

[caption id="attachment_4365" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="Regions of the brain associated with stress and post traumatic stress disorder"][/caption]