Is there a genetic predisposition to PTSD?

Research evidence clearly suggests a predisposition or susceptibility for developing PTSD that is hereditary in nature, with 30% of PTSD cases explained by genetics alone.

What is the drug of choice for PTSD?

The only FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of PTSD are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline (Zoloft, Pfizer) and paroxetine HCl (Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline).

How are some people genetically predisposed to PTSD?

The researchers concluded that PTSD’s heritability — the level of influence genetics has on the variability of PTSD risk in the population — is between five and 20 percent, with some variability by sex. These findings held true across different ancestral groups.

What is one biological treatment commonly used for PTSD?

Tricyclic, SSRI, and MAOI antidepressants have demonstrated efficacy in larger, longer-term controlled trials. Drug/psychotherapy combinations may enhance the usefulness of psychotherapeutics in the management of PTSD.

Can you be prone to PTSD?

Risk Factors. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes war veterans, children, and people who have been through a physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster, or other serious events.

What does Zoloft do for PTSD?

A new study shows that the antidepressant Zoloft (sertraline) may be effective against posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improving symptoms, overall functioning, and quality of life. Symptoms did not completely disappear with the drug treatment, and insomnia was reported as a side effect in some patients.

What is an example of intergenerational trauma?

For example, a mother who is struggling with her daughter’s sexual abuse, might also have been sexually abused by her father, who, may have also been sexually abused by his father. The impact of generational trauma is significant.

Are there genetic influences on PTSD risk?

The findings from these two twin studies support suggest that genetic factors play a substantial role in vulnerability to developing PTSD. Third, twin studies have demonstrated that genetic influences on PTSD overlap with those for other mental disorders. The extent of the overlap varies with the disorder studied.

Which genetic polymorphisms are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

The DRD2 gene 957C > T polymorphism is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in war veterans. Depress Anxiety. 2009;26:28–33. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Can genetics predict posttraumatic stress disorder in HIV-infected youth?

Nugent has previously published research in biological predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in pediatric populations and is presently conducting research examining psychiatric genetics of depression and PTSD as related to medical adherence and health outcomes in HIV-infected youth.

What is a candidate gene study design for PTSD?

In the candidate gene study design, genetic regions are typically selected for study based on their hypothesized putative relationship with the neurobiological processes underlying the development and/or maintenance of PTSD.