Genetic Factors Influence Risk of PTSD

The risk for posttraumatic stress disorder depends on the number of traumatic event types experienced, or the so-called traumatic load. A study of molecular genetics shows that genetic factors also influence the risk of PTSD. (Biological Psychiatry, 15 Feb. 2010; 67(4): 304-308)

Inadequate Treatment for PTSD for Many Veterans

A recently published study reports that although the Department of Veteran Affairs is quickly implementing treatments for newly diagnosed PTSD patients, significant barriers remain in the way of veterans getting a full course of appropriate treatment. (Journal of Traumatic Stress, Feb. 2010; 23(1): 5-16)

Biomarker May Identify PTSD

Researchers have identified a biological marker in the brains of veterans exhibiting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive measurement of magnetic fields in the brain, researchers accomplished more than 90 percent accuracy in differentiating PTSD patients from healthy control subjects. (Journal of Neural Engineering, Feb. 2010; 7(1): 1-7)

Genes and Environment Interact to Influence PTSD Risk

People who experience childhood adversity and traumatic events as adults appear more likely to develop PTSD than those exposed to only one of these factors, according to a study conducted at Yale and the VA Connecticut Healthcare Center. The risk was further increased in those with a gene mutation that has been associated with emotional response after stressful events. (Archives of General Psychiatry, 2009; 66(11):1201-1209)
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Childhood Trauma Affecting Adult Physical Health

According to a study by Duke University researchers, sustained health risks in adulthood associated with the physiology of stress-response systems may stem from childhood abuse, neglect, social isolation, or economic hardship. (Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 2009;163(12):1135-1143)
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Some Women Are More PTSD-Resilient

A recent study comparing traumatic experiences of female police officers and civilians found that the officers were better able to fend off PTSD symptoms because they experience less intense fear, helplessness, and horror when faced with trauma.
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PTSD Associated With Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

A study reported at 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease shows higher Alzheimer's risk in veterans with PTSD.
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Early Psychological Interventions May Not Prevent PTSD

A study has found that psychological interventions offered soon after a person experiences a traumatic event have been found ineffective if intended to prevent the development of PTSD. Researchers emphasize that their study does not suggest that interventions have no role in treating those who have already developed the disorder.
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Parents’ history predicts children’s PTSD

Data presented at the 9th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry shows that parental history of anxiety disorders is the best predictor of the development and persistence of PTSD in children who have experienced a traumatic event. Compared to children without a parental history of anxiety disorders, those whose parents have such a history are three times as likely to have PTSD symptoms after one month and twice as likely to have symptoms that persist for five years.
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Panic Attacks Not Necessarily Linked to PTSD

A new research study dispels the previously accepted notion about panic attacks—that one immediately following a traumatic event would trigger or predict PTSD.
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Brain Scans May Detect PTSD in the Future

As technology improves, imaging research is moving closer to the possibility of using brain scans to help diagnose PTSD. Scientists hope that they may be able to detect biological markers that distinguish the brains of those with PTSD.
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Women With PTSD Have Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD, and those with a high level of symptoms have a greater risk of developing heart disease than women with no PTSD symptoms, according to researchers conducting a study at Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
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