Biomarkers for the Possibility of the Susceptibility to PTSD

A recent research study has begun to look at biomarkers which may indicate whether someone is more or less susceptible to PTSD after experiencing a trauma. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition which is very common in individuals who have experienced trauma, in which they tend to “re-live” the trauma after it is over. The symptoms of PTSD often involve extreme states of hyper-alertness, panic, fear, and anxiety after a triggering stimuli, and also can lead to depression, insomnia and has dramatic social and relationship effects.

Currently, there is no Screening Tool other than Clinical Presentation to Diagnose PTSD

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people who experiencing trauma will develop PTSD. Currently, the only way to diagnose the condition is through clinical presentation, and there is no screening tool to determine if someone is at high risk or not. But over the last few years, researchers have been trying to determine if there may be a change in gene expression that is associated with a tendency to develop PTSD.

Current PTSD Study

The current study, conducted in the Netherlands, analyzed PTSD symptoms of 1,000 Dutch soldiers, all deployed to a combat zone in Afghanistan. Blood was taken 6 months before and 6 months after deployment. Most soldiers upon returning had experienced trauma, some displayed PTSD symptoms. The study then selected 24 individuals, 8 had suffered trauma and developed PTSD, 8 did not develop PTSD, and a control group of 8 who did not experience trauma.

MicroRNA (mRNA) Differences Found Between the 3 Groups

It was found that there were microRNA (mRNA) differences between the 3 groups. These are small molecules which determine gene expression. Of over 900 different types of mRNA analyzed, there were 40 that were regulated differently in those with PTSD. It is known that differences in mRNA is associated with some other diseases, such as cancer and kidney disease, and it is possible that mRNA could help flag individuals who are at higher risk for developing PTSD.

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Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Portland, OR and associate editor for NDNR. He has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine among the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend camp-out where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Four years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.