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September 7, 2008 11:21:30 PM CDT

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Gene Linked to Stress Disorder

Posted Mar 19, 08 11:16 AM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – A gene that may influence an individual's susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder has been identified by psychologists at Emory University, Time reports. A study of low-income African-American adults in the Atlanta area, 80% of whom had experienced trauma, found that certain versions of a gene were linked to higher PTSD rates in those who had a history of earlier trauma, such as child abuse or violence.

These findings could help point to why some soldiers who experience battlefield horrors suffer from PTSD and some don't, as well as why some people can leave childhood trauma behind them while others remain debilitated by it. And it could lead to screening for high-risk groups—such as military special forces—though "the science isn't there yet."

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Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama looks at a show of hands for those diagnosed with PTSD while participating in an MTV roundtable with Iraq war veterans.   (Associated Press)
Retired Marine Maj. Gamal Awad suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder which followed his rescue work on Sept. 11, 2001, at the Pentagon. The PTSD was aggravated by tours in Kuwait and Iraq.   (Associated Press)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeff Ebert demonstrates an experimental virtual-reality computer simulation that psychologists hope to use to treat PTSD in returning soldiers.   (Associated Press)
Chris Ayres, a former Marine captain from the Houston area, has experienced episodes related to his post-traumatic stress disorder and said he worried about being stigmatized if he got help.   (Associated Press)
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genetics  • mental health  • Atlanta  • PTSD  • genetic screening  • Emory University


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