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Published on: October 10, 2012
Understanding the Scientific Basis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Precision Behavioral Management
Kenneth Blum1,2,3,4,5,6,7, M C Gondré-Lewis8, E J Modestino9
1Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA. drd2gene@gmail.com.
Genetic factors influencing dopamine function can increase risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding these genetic links may lead to new treatments for PTSD and addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex polygenic disorder influenced by environmental factors.
- Genetic variations, especially those affecting dopamine function (hypodopaminergia), are linked to PTSD and substance use disorder predisposition.
- Neuroimaging and genetic technologies have advanced understanding of brain reward circuitry, aiding PTSD symptomology and addiction treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review psychosocial and genetic evidence on dopamine's role in PTSD vulnerability and resilience.
- To explore the potential of modulating dopamine for clinical treatment and prevention of PTSD and reward deficiency disorders.
- To discuss the utility of genetic tools like the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS®) for identifying genotype-phenotype relationships.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on PTSD, genetics, and dopamine.
- Analysis of genotype-phenotype relationships using the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS®).
- Discussion of potential therapeutic interventions including neuronutrient supplementation and behavioral strategies.
Main Results:
- Dopamine regulation is a theoretical factor influencing PTSD vulnerability or resilience.
- Genetic variations and dopamine pathways are implicated in the predisposition to PTSD and substance use disorder.
- The Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS®) can help characterize genetic variations linked to PTSD risk.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine modulation presents a potential target for PTSD and reward deficiency disorder treatment.
- Voluntary pre-testing for PTSD risk using GARS® is recommended for military personnel.
- Personalized interventions like Precision Behavioral Management (PBM™) show promise for dopamine homeostasis.
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