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Updated: May 4, 2026

Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Connecting the pathology of posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders: monoamines and neuropeptides
Nicole M Enman1, Yong Zhang2, Ellen M Unterwald1
1Department of Pharmacology and Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Abstract:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) co-occurs highly with substance use disorders (SUDs), yet the neurobiological basis for this comorbid relationship remains unclear. PTSD and SUDs result in similar pathological states including impulsive behavior, reward deficiency, and heightened stress sensitivity. Hence, PTSD and SUD may depend on overlapping dysfunctional neurocircuitry. Here we provide a short overview of the relationship between comorbid PTSD and SUD, as well as the potential role of select neurotransmitter systems that may underlie enhanced vulnerability to drug abuse in the context of PTSD.
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