Return to Main Menu

Genetic factors can affect PTSD Research recently published in the American Journal of Psychiatry shows that a low expression of the serotonin transporter gene increases the possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression when combined with high disaster exposure and low social support.   This genotype-by-environment study led by Dean Kilpatrick, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, specifically examined genes, social support and anxiety levels in hurricane-exposed adults. Kilpatrick and his team randomly surveyed adults living in the paths of the 2004 Florida hurricanes, which produced substantial damage to property and disruption to the community. Saliva sample also were collected for genetic analyses.   Almost 11 percent of study participants met criteria for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder or major depression in the nine months following the hurricanes. Findings show that despite high environmental risk, Florida residents with a high-expression of the serotonin transporter gene and ample social support were more resilient to mental health disorders. Those individuals, who did experience PTSD or major depression, also increased their possibility of alcohol and tobacco use.     Friday, Nov. 2, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.