Monday, April 2, 2012

Genes Found to be Associated with PTSD

Full article at: Genes Linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Excerpt: New UCLA study sheds light on two genes involved in serotonin production which may lead to a higher risk of developing PTSD. Published in the April 3 online edition of the Journal of Affective Disorders, the findings suggest that susceptibility to PTSD is inherited, pointing to new ways of screening for and treating the disorder. The researchers found that persons who possessed specific variants of two genes [Called TPH1 and TPH2] were more likely to develop PTSD symptoms. "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," observed 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." According to Goenjian, pinpointing genes connected with PTSD symptoms will help neuroscientists classify the disorder based on brain biology instead of clinical observation. Psychiatrists currently rely on a trial and error approach to identify the best medication for controlling an individual patient's symptoms.