PTSD

Question 1

Twin studies showed what role played in development of PTSD?

Answer 1

Genetic Factors

Question 2

Which genes are suggested to be related to development of PTSD?

Answer 2

Dopamine & 5-HT

Question 3

What did the RWANDA genocide survivors study fine in regards to risk of PTSD and genes?

Answer 3

That increased risk of PTSD w/ gene responsible for prod. of enzyme that DESTROYS catecholamines in interstitial fluid.

Question 4

What was the allele in the Rwanda study associated with?

Answer 4

Associated w/ increased risk was associated w/ slower destruction of catecholamines.

Question 5

What risk factors did the VIETNAM era twin study find as a predictive factor of developing PTSD post-exposure?

Answer 5

Early age at time of trauma, exp to multiple traumas, father w/ depression, low education, poor social support, pre-existing conduct disorder, anx, or depression.

Question 6

MRI studies showed damage in vets w/ combat related PTSD where?

Answer 6

Damages in hippocampus (remember that exposure to gluticorticoid produces hippocampal damage!).

Another study showed 20% reduction in hippocampal volume w/ extent of reduction related to extent of combat exposure.

Question 7

PTSD BASICALLY does what ??

Answer 7

Increase STRESS = Increase GLUCOCORTICOID

Question 8

In a twin study looking at small hippocampus being a risk factor of developing PTSD resulted in…

Answer 8

one member went to combat other didn’t, vets that developed pTSD has smaller hippocampus than those that didn’t, twins of vet that developed PTSD also had smaller hippocampus.

Question 9

PTSD is associated w/ activation where in the brain?

Answer 9

Increased amygdala activation and decreased prefrontal activation. The prefrontal cortex inhibits amygdala.

Question 10

10 sessions of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) where in the brain sig reduced PTSD sxs?

Answer 10

TMS to the L or R dlPFC cortex and the benefit maintained at 3 mos.