In regards to PTSD : What are the neuronal and/or genetic findings with this dis

Question

In regards to PTSD: What are the neuronal and/or genetic findings with this disorder? For instance, what neurotransmitter type and activity is altered in this disorder? What are the findings regarding genetic influence from twin studies and gene studies? Please address at least one neuronal/neurotransmitter system and any major genetic findings.

In regards to Autism: What are the neuronal and/or genetic findings with this disorder? For instance, what neurotransmitter type and activity is altered in this disorder? What are the findings regarding genetic influence from twin studies and gene studies? Please address at least one neuronal/neurotransmitter system and any major genetic findings.

In regards to ADHD: What are the neuronal and/or genetic findings with this disorder? For instance, what neurotransmitter type and activity is altered in this disorder? What are the findings regarding genetic influence from twin studies and gene studies? Please address at least one neuronal/neurotransmitter system and any major genetic findings.

Thank you for your help in advanced!

Explanation / Answer

1). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder developed due to the occurrence of traumatic events that include accidents by vehicle, events of terrorism, sexual assault, etc. Symptoms of PTSD include hyperarousal, recurring flashbacks, avoiding the memories of the event etc. that continue at least for a month after the traumatic event. People with assault based trauma experienced are more likely to develop PTSD.

Pre-frontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus are the three regions of brain affected in PTSD patients. The hippocampal volume is reduced by 20% in these patients, which is the reason for recurring flashbacks. Patients also exhibit the symptoms of low secretion of cortisol and high elimination of catechol amines through urine, fluctuations in dopamine levels between hypo and hyper secretion, hyper-responsive HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis), etc.

Three genetic polymorphisms in the GABA alpha 2 receptor gene have been identified in PTSD patients. Particularly SKA2 gene (spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunit gene) is suspected to be associated with the occurrence of PTSD. Twin studies revealed that the Monozygotic twins are likely to share the increased risk of having PTSD, when compared to dizygotic twins.

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