title: Neuro-psychopharmacogenetics and Neurological Antecedents of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Unlocking the Mysteries of Resilience and Vulnerability.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although the biological underpinnings of immediate and protracted trauma-related responses are extremely complex, 40 years of research on humans and other mammals have demonstrated that trauma (particularly trauma early in the life cycle) has long-term effects on neurochemical responses to stressful events. These effects include the magnitude of the catecholamine response and the duration and extent of the cortisol response. In addition, a number of other biological systems are involved, including mesolimbic brain structures and various neurotransmitters. An understanding of the many genetic and environmental interactions contributing to stress-related responses will provide a diagnostic and treatment map, which will illuminate the vulnerability and resilience of individuals to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
  We propose that successful treatment of PTSD will involve preliminary genetic testing for specific polymorphisms. Early detection is especially important, because early treatment can improve outcome. When genetic testing reveals deficiencies, vulnerable individuals can be recommended for treatment with "body friendly" pharmacologic substances and/or nutrients. Results of our research suggest the following genes should be tested: serotoninergic, dopaminergic (DRD2, DAT, DBH), glucocorticoid, GABAergic (GABRB), apolipoprotein systems (APOE2), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Monamine B, CNR1, Myo6, CRF-1 and CRF-2 receptors, and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Treatment in part should be developed that would up-regulate the expression of these genes to bring about a feeling of well being as well as a reduction in the frequency and intensity of the symptoms of PTSD.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Neuroscience & Population Genetics, and Department of Neurology, Ziv Medical Center, Safed, Israel.
authors.forename: Abdalla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bowirrat
authors.forename: Thomas J H
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blum
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Madigan
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: Amanda Lih
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Chuan Chen
authors.forename: B William
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Downs
authors.forename: Eric R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Braverman
authors.forename: Shahien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Radi
authors.forename: Roger L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Waite
authors.forename: Mallory
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerner
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Giordano
authors.forename: Siohban
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morse
authors.forename: Marlene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oscar-Berman
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gold