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Gender and PTSD: different pathways to a similar phenotype
Suzanne L Pineles1, Kimberly A Arditte Hall1, Ann M Rasmusson1
1National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|August 17, 2017
Summary
While posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a single phenotype, gender differences exist in its underlying mechanisms. Further research with objective measures is needed to understand these discrepancies and tailor treatments for men and women.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recognized as a single phenotype across genders.
- However, significant gender-specific variations may exist in the disorder's pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on gender differences in emotional, cognitive, and neurobiological factors related to PTSD.
- To explore the relationship between these factors and PTSD comorbidities in men and women.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent human and animal studies.
- Discussion of key findings and limitations, emphasizing the need for objective measures.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests gender differences in emotional, cognitive, and neurobiological aspects of PTSD.
- Current research often relies on self-report, highlighting a need for more objective assessments.
Conclusions:
- More research is required to elucidate gender-specific mechanisms in PTSD.
- Studies focusing on gender differences and single-gender samples can inform tailored interventions for diverse populations.
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