“We believe that these may be very important potential future candidate biomarkers to differentiate PTSD cases from controls.”
The next step in this effort, he added, is to replicate the consortium’s overall findings in a cross-validation sample of 50 male cases and 50 male controls. “We also have a sample of 40 female cases and 40 controls to see if the markers are the same or different,” he said. The researchers are also conducting a prospective study of 1,200 active duty military personnel, who will be evaluated before and after deployment.
For now, some clinicians wonder what should be done for men and women who carry the PTSD risk alleles, or carry the endocrine or metabolism vulnerability to develop complications from combat exposure. “That’s a very sensitive national question,” Dr. Marmar said. “People want to serve their country. The answer may be to allow service but to have a more nuanced approach to what people’s roles should be within the military, to match individuals’ stress resilience with the responsibilities they have.”
Dr. Marmar reported that he had no relevant financial conflicts.
On Twitter @dougbrunk