PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition which is triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Recent evidence has shown that certain genes increase the vulnerability to PTSD. Symptoms may include nightmares, intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event, severe anxiety, and episodes of reliving the traumatic event (flashbacks). Symptoms may start within three months of an event, but also may not appear until years after the event. In addition to symptoms may include efforts to avoid people, places and things that are reminders of the event, irritability, emotional numbness, loss in interest and pleasure in usual activities, social withdrawal, mood change, memory problems, relationship problems, guilt and shame.
Recent studies of combat Veterans have revealed persistent mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in blood cells is an emerging systemic index of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. In a study of combat veterans with and without PTSD, mtDNAcn was significantly lower in subjects with PTSD. This study provides the first evidence of mtDNAcn in combat PTSD. Altered mtDNAcn in PTSD may reflect impaired energy metabolism, which represent a novel aspect of its pathophysiology.
Multiple studies have found BDNF serum levels to be decreased in those suffering from PTSD. BDNF-mediated mechanisms are asserted to be critical to the neurobiological processes underlying the symptoms of PTSD.
