Gene-environment interaction in posttraumatic stress disorder: an update

Abstract

The authors provide a detailed review of the extant gene-environment interaction (GxE) research in the etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They begin with a discussion of why PTSD is uniquely fitting for the innovative framework of GxE methodology, followed by a review of the heritability and main effect molecular genetics studies of PTSD. Next, they discuss the six GxE investigations to date on PTSD. They end with a discussion of future directions and significance of this research, with an emphasis on the expansion of psychosocial factors that may be fitting environmental variables for inclusion in this new research area. The authors posit that GxE research is vital to elucidating risk and resilience following exposure to a potentially traumatic event.

Figure 1

An thematic overview of GxE studies of PTSD

Figure 2

Level of stress exposure modifies the association between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and post-hurricane PTSD. Note: Low stress exposure was defined as low hurricane exposure and high social support. High stress exposure was defined as high hurricane exposure and low social support. 5-HTTLPR genotypes were triallelic with lg categorization.

Figure 3

Severity of child abuse modifies the association between FKBP5 polymorphisms and adult PTSD symptoms. Created based on data presented in Binder et al., JAMA, 2008.