Advancing models of PTSD-AUD comorbidity: protocol for a multimethod framework using genetics and ecological...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently co-occur, particularly in urban communities.
• Sex differences exist, with women showing higher susceptibility to stress-related alcohol use.
• Existing research lacks examination of temporal dynamics in PTSD-AUD comorbidity within high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex-specific, within-person symptom dynamics of comorbid PTSD and AUD.
• To explore the temporal stability of these dynamics over six months.
• To examine the influence of social determinants of health and genetic risk on PTSD-AUD symptom maintenance.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 464 Black adults with trauma history, PTSD symptoms, and hazardous drinking.
• Intensive, repeated ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over six months.
• Application of PTSD-AUD comorbidity models to analyze symptom dynamics and genetic liability.

Main Results:

• This section is to be filled once the study results are available.

Conclusions:

• Study findings are expected to offer insights for targeted prevention and treatment of comorbid PTSD and AUD.
• Understanding symptom dynamics can guide the development of more effective interventions.
• This research addresses a critical gap in understanding PTSD-AUD in socioeconomically disadvantaged Black urban communities.