scholarly journals Potential Biomarkers of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Psychiatry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 90-99
Author(s):  
N. N. Petrova ◽  
B. G. Butoma ◽  
M. V. Dorofeikova

Background: although the search for biomarkers of mental disorders that is aimed at improving diagnosis, individualizing therapy based on knowledge of pathophysiological processes and preventing the development of mental illness is actively underway for endogenous mental disorders, the study of biological markers in non-endogenous mental disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in particular has received much less attention. Aim: to analyze current state of research dedicated to genetic and biochemical biomarkers that can be used to identify high risk groups and clarify the diagnosis of PTSD. Material and method: keywords “biomarkers”, “post-traumatic stress disorder”, “pathogenesis” have been used to fi nd in PubMed articles published in 2010–2020. Conclusion: research methods for elucidating the mechanisms of PTSD are actively developing, however, the identifi cation of specifi c biomarkers (biochemical, molecular, genetic, epigenetic, neuroimaging, psychophysiological) is a complicated task. This complexity is associated with numerous pathogenic mechanisms of PTSD and frequent comorbidity with mental disorders (depression, anxiety) and somatic diseases, as well as lack of specifi city of detected biomarkers.

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 43-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Schmidt ◽  
Sebastian F. Kaltwasser ◽  
Carsten T. Wotjak

PTSD can develop in the aftermath of traumatic incidents like combat, sexual abuse, or life threatening accidents. Unfortunately, there are still no biomarkers for this debilitating anxiety disorder in clinical use. Anyhow, there are numerous studies describing potential PTSD biomarkers, some of which might progress to the point of practical use in the future. Here, we outline and comment on some of the most prominent findings on potential imaging, psychological, endocrine, and molecular PTSD biomarkers and classify them into risk, disease, and therapy markers. Since for most of these potential PTSD markers a causal role in PTSD has been demonstrated or at least postulated, this review also gives an overview on the current state of research on PTSD pathobiology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Kullack ◽  
Jonathan Laugharne

This report begins with a summary of the literature regarding the theoretical models behind the comorbid relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders and the various modified addiction protocols formulated to assist in treating these disorders. This case series outlines the effect that the standard eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) protocol had on alcohol and substance dependence for 4 patients who attended our Post Traumatic Stress Clinic in Fremantle, Western Australia, primarily for treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. Patients were assessed for substance use disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus prior to, immediately after, and 12 months after completing EMDR therapy. Results indicate that the standard EMDR protocol was successful in reducing alcohol and substance use. Prior to treatment, 3 patients met criteria for alcohol dependence and 1 met criteria for substance dependence. At 12-month follow-up, 3 out of 4 clients did not meet the diagnostic criteria for current alcohol dependence or current substance dependence. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to theories of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder and the modified EMDR protocols developed for patients with substance dependence.


Author(s):  
Jelena Kovacevic ◽  
Ivica Fotez ◽  
Ivan Miskulin ◽  
Davor Lesic ◽  
Maja Miskulin ◽  
...  

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the symptoms of mental disorders following a road traffic crash (RTC). A prospective cohort of 200 people was followed for 6 months after experiencing an RTC. The cohort was comprised of uninjured survivors and injured victims with all levels of road traffic injury (RTI) severity. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between the symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety one and six months after the RTC, along with sociodemographic factors, health status before and after the RTC, factors related to the RTI and factors related to the RTC. The results showed associations of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms with sociodemographic factors, factors related to the health status before and after the RTC and factors related to the RTC. Factors related to the RTI showed associations only with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Identifying factors associated with mental disorders following an RTC is essential for establishing screening of vulnerable individuals at risk of poor mental health outcomes after an RTC. All RTC survivors, regardless of their RTI status, should be screened for factors associated with mental disorders in order to successfully prevent them.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1422
Author(s):  
Evaldas Kazlauskas ◽  
Odeta Gelezelyte ◽  
Auguste Nomeikaite ◽  
Paulina Zelviene

Multiple empirical studies have revealed significant pandemic effects of COVID-19 on mental health in various populations. This study aimed to analyze the incidences of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder (AjD) in national healthcare in 2018–2020 in one of the European countries—Lithuania—and estimate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on PTSD and AjD incidences in 2020. The national healthcare registry was used for estimations of diagnosis of PTSD, AjD, and major depressive disorder (MD). The study revealed that stress-related disorders PTSD and AjD are diagnosed rarely, resulting in a considerable gap between the expected prevalence and incidences of these diagnoses in healthcare in Lithuania. Moreover, a significant decline in mental disorders incidence in healthcare in 2020, in comparison to 2018 and 2019, was found, revealing that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on access to healthcare services and increased barriers for mental disorders treatment. The study indicates that major developments in building up knowledge about the effects of trauma and life stressors on mental health are needed in Lithuania and other countries to increase awareness about stress-related disorders and improve care for trauma survivors, in particular in the context of the pandemics or other large-scale disasters.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A405-A405
Author(s):  
T Shapiro ◽  
B Messman ◽  
D C Slavish ◽  
C Alkire ◽  
S Wardle-Pinkston ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Nurses report a higher prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population, and approximately 18% of nurses report having depression. Nightmares are a common symptom of PTSD, and both nightmares and PTSD are correlated with depression. Nightmares may represent a possible clinical target for improving outcomes in both disorders. This study assessed associations between PTSD and depressive symptoms with nightmare severity, and whether depressive symptoms moderated associations between PTSD and nightmare severity. Methods Participants were 461 nurses (91% female; 77% white, mean age = 38.39 years) recruited from two hospitals for a parent study. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), and 14 days of sleep diaries to assess daily nightmare frequency and severity (on a scale of 0 = not at all severe to 3 = very severe). Results 22.1% of participants reported at least one nightmare across the 14 days, with a mean daily nightmare frequency of 1.17 (SD = 2.15) and a mean severity of 0.11 (SD = 0.18). PCL-5 and PHQ-9 scores were significantly correlated with nightmare severity (r = 0.27; r = 0.24, respectively) and each other (r = 0.69). PHQ-9 scores moderated the association between PCL-5 scores and nightmare severity (β = -.01, SE = <0.01, p = 0.015). For individuals 1 SD below the PHQ-9 mean, higher PCL-5 scores were associated with higher nightmare severity. For individuals 1 SD above the PHQ-9 mean, higher PCL-5 scores were associated with higher nightmare severity, but to a lesser degree. Conclusion Both depressive and PTSD symptoms were associated with more severe nightmares. Surprisingly, the association between PTSD symptoms and nightmare severity was stronger for those with lower depressive symptoms. Results suggest depression, PTSD, and nightmares may represent a partially overlapping symptom cluster. Research should investigate how nightmare treatment may reduce PTSD and depressive symptoms. Support NIAID R01AI128359-01


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 712-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Syed Sheriff ◽  
Miranda Van Hooff ◽  
Gin Malhi ◽  
Blair Grace ◽  
Alexander McFarlane

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 195-201
Author(s):  
Allen Ayala ◽  
Melanie Geer

Multiple studies have associated post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with variable and high rates of smoking documented in different populations. This article will cover the neurobiology behind tobacco use, and its implications in those with PTSD. Discussion on cessation programs (e.g., effectiveness, drug interactions), and controversy over the use of varenicline will also be discussed.


The work is devoted to solving the problems of definition, etiology and pathogenesis of primary diagnostics of posttraumatic stress disorder in combatants of the antiterrorist operation, who had rehabilitation in sanatorium and resort conditions. As a result of the study, the positive impact of hyppotherapy on the psychological state of combatants in the antiterrorist operation was shown, which was applied on the basis of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center Feldman Ecopark in sanatorium and resort conditions with medical and psychological rehabilitation. The main groups (clusters) of neurotic, pathopersonological and psychopathological manifestations in this contingent of patients are identified. The study also showed that the testees experienced childhood sexual abuse (or forcing entry into sexual relations with someone from the immediate environment of the child) correlated with higher levels of both depressive and anxiety symptoms later in adulthood. Premorbid personality characteristics of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder are heterogeneous. Although people in natural conditions that provoke anxiety are especially likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, these disorders often arise in obsessive, dependent and even schizoid personality type. However, it would be logical to expect that those individuals accessed via the questionnaire with higher level of neuroticism (or «big anxiety») are more likely to develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder than those of phlegmatic temperament.


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