Saturday, May 8, 2010

Genetic changes show up in people with PTSD

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/58820/title/Genetic_changes_show_up_in_people_with_PTSD

New findings show that people with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) develop genetic changes. These findings were reported online on may 3 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. While differences are clearly evident between those with and without PTSD, it is unclear whether these changes have any effect on the disorder. Specifically the study showed that "the people with PTSD showed less methylation in several immune system genes and more methylation in genes linked to the growth of brain cells." Researchers are optimistic that this discover may lead to an effective treatment of PTSD. However more studies and research are needed before a definitive answer can be given.

This makes alot of sense to me. PTSD is a "deep" disorder but I never expected that it could actually affect people on a genetic level. That's pretty scary. But it shows just how harmful a traumatic experience can be. It would be wonderful if a good treatment could come out of this. Perhaps we could finally bring peace to those who suffer the disorder, especially our veterans.

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