A Closer Look at PTSD: PTSD Gene Research

There may be more to post traumatic stress disorder than meets the eye.  According to new studies, there may be actual genetic changes that occur in individuals with the condition.  The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and reported by Science News, indicates that there are definite genetic differences between people living with post traumatic disorder and overall healthy individuals.  Despite this comparison, however, the study did not resolve how or whether these genetic changes impact the condition.

Researchers from the Columbia University in New York wanted to know why some people who experienced a traumatic event develop post traumatic stress disorder, while others do not.  They examined blood samples from approximately one hundred individuals who had been exposed to a traumatic event.  Out of this sampling, twenty-three people had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.  The researchers proceeded to test various genes to see if there were any chemical alterations to the DNA.  The team believed that if there was an increase or decrease in methylation in certain genes, that there might be a way to link this occurrence to post traumatic stress disorder.  They found that people with post traumatic stress disorder exhibited less methylation in some immune system genes and more methylation in genes associated with brain cell development.  Methylation, according to Science News, is when a methyl molecule is connected to DNA, thereby preventing the production of the protein that the gene may encode, and essentially rendering the gene inept.  It appears from this study, as well as previous genetic studies, that post traumatic stress disorder is linked with immune system suppression.

Although the study shows an association, just how and why post traumatic stress disorder changes methylation in the cells is still unanswered.  The researchers acknowledge that additional research is needed and on a much larger scale, as one hundred participants is relatively small.  They do hope, however, that with more intensive research, the exact mechanism for these changes will be uncovered and possibly lead to genetic intervention for those living with the condition.  It may open up an entire new chapter on treatment options for the disorder and possibly, even a way to cure individuals.  There may come a time when a person simply needs to have his/her blood taken and evaluated for methylation changes in order to obtain a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment.