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Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
A Clinician's Guide to PTSD Biomarkers and Their Potential Future Use
Suzanne Yang1, Gary H Wynn1, Robert J Ursano1
1The authors are with the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Yang is also with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland.
Researchers are exploring biomarkers to aid in diagnosing and treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Future advancements may offer personalized PTSD treatment selection based on these emerging biological markers.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Neuroscience
- Biomarker Research
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Currently, no clinically validated biomarkers exist for diagnosing or treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Clinical trial innovations are driving the investigation of biomarkers for new PTSD medications and psychotherapies.
- The development and validation of biomarkers involve complex, multi-stage clinical testing processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the clinical use of PTSD biomarkers.
- To examine candidate genetic, epigenetic, blood-based, and physiological markers for PTSD.
- To discuss research on biomarkers relevant to PTSD treatment selection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PTSD biomarkers.
- Examination of candidate biomarkers including genetic, epigenetic, and physiological markers.
- Analysis of studies focusing on biomarkers for treatment selection in PTSD.
Main Results:
- While no biomarkers are currently clinically validated for PTSD, several candidate markers show promise.
- Genetic, epigenetic, blood-based, and physiological markers are under investigation.
- Research is identifying biomarkers that may assist in diagnosis, predicting trajectory, severity, outcomes, subtyping, and treatment selection.
Conclusions:
- Viable biomarkers for PTSD diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection are anticipated in the near future.
- Candidate biomarkers, particularly those relevant to treatment selection, represent a promising area of research.
- Further research and validation are crucial for integrating biomarkers into clinical practice for PTSD management.
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