Authors: Murray B. Stein; Sonia Jain; Livia Parodi; Karmel W. Choi; Adam X. Maihofer; Lindsay D. Nelson; Pratik Mukherjee; Xiaoying Sun; Feng He; David O. Okonkwo; Joseph T. Giacino; Frederick K. Korley; Mary J. Vassar; Claudia S. Robertson; Michael A. McCrea; Nancy Temkin; Amy J. Markowitz; Ramon Diaz-Arrastia; Jonathan Rosand; Geoffrey T. Manley · Research
Can Genes Predict PTSD Risk After Mild Brain Injury?
Research reveals genetic factors can help predict who is most likely to develop PTSD after a mild traumatic brain injury
Source: Stein, M. B., Jain, S., Parodi, L., Choi, K. W., Maihofer, A. X., Nelson, L. D., ... & Manley, G. T. (2023). Polygenic risk for mental disorders as predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder after mild traumatic brain injury. Translational Psychiatry, 13(1), 24.
What you need to know
- About 16% of people develop PTSD within 6 months after a mild traumatic brain injury
- Your genetic makeup can help predict your risk of developing PTSD after brain injury
- Those with the highest genetic risk were nearly 4 times more likely to develop PTSD compared to those with lowest genetic risk
Understanding Brain Injury and PTSD Risk
Imagine getting into a car accident or falling and hitting your head. While most people recover fully from mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions), some develop lasting psychological effects like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But why do some people develop PTSD while others don’t? New research suggests that our genes play an important role in determining this risk.
The Genetic Connection
Scientists have discovered that certain patterns in our DNA can predict who is more likely to develop PTSD after a mild brain injury. They created something called a “polygenic risk score” - essentially a measure of how many genetic variants associated with PTSD risk a person carries. When researchers studied over 700 patients who had experienced mild brain injuries, they found that this genetic score was remarkably predictive of who would develop PTSD in the following months.
What the Research Found
The study revealed that people with the highest genetic risk scores were nearly four times more likely to develop PTSD compared to those with the lowest scores. This genetic factor added significant predictive power beyond other known risk factors like age, gender, prior mental health history, and how the injury occurred.
Interestingly, the genetic risk for PTSD worked similarly in predicting outcomes regardless of whether someone had a previous mental health condition. This suggests that our genetic makeup influences PTSD risk independently of our prior psychological health.
The Brain-Mind Connection
This research helps explain why brain injuries and PTSD often occur together. Both conditions affect similar regions of the brain - particularly the prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotions, and the hippocampus, which processes memories. When these areas are impacted by injury, it may make some people genetically predisposed to PTSD more vulnerable to developing the condition.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you know experiences a mild brain injury, this research has several important implications:
- Genetic testing could potentially help identify those at highest risk for developing PTSD
- High-risk individuals might benefit from closer monitoring and earlier intervention
- Understanding your genetic risk could help inform decisions about preventive care
- Early intervention is key - proven treatments exist that can help prevent PTSD if started soon after injury
Conclusions
- Your genes play a significant role in determining PTSD risk after brain injury
- Genetic testing could help identify those who need extra monitoring and support
- Early intervention is crucial for preventing PTSD in high-risk individuals