Biomarkers of Risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA488785&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

The objective of this proposal is to study genetic and neuroendocrine biomarkers of risk in a carefully assessed population of military personnel who have recently returned from war zones. The target sample includes 300 men and women who have recently returned from hazardous deployment and are undergoing a comprehensive assessment of symptoms and stressors in a related 12-month longitudinal study. To date, we have enrolled 125 subjects. Samples of saliva have been obtained from all 125 enrolled subjects for analysis of DNA and candidate genes. Cortisol samples have been obtained from 96 of these subjects. Hormone and genetic data will be used to predict the development of PTSD and chronic PTSD. In addition, interactions of these biomarkers with trauma severity and other stressors as well as social supports will be examined.