The relevance of epigenetics to PTSD: Implications for the <i>DSM‐V</i>

Yehuda, Rachel; Bierer, Linda M.

doi:10.1002/jts.20448

Cited by 194 publications

(142 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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Section: Epigenetic Mechanisms In Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The first involves the presence of a pre-existing source of vulnerability, particularly of negative early-life experiences, that ultimately shape the way in which individuals respond to, and cope with, stress and trauma later in life (Perkonigg et al, 2000;Yehuda and Bierer, 2009). The second involves exacerbated negative adaptations in response to the traumatic event that is the proximal cause of PTSD psychopathology (Yehuda and Bierer, 2009). Implicit in these factors is the idea that some biological mechanism must bridge a salient experience (ie, early-life environment or adult trauma) with a persistent behavioral and physiological outcome, particularly with symptoms that involve pathological fear, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.…”

Section: Epigenetic Mechanisms In Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Epigenetic Mechanisms in Learned Fear: Implications for PTSD

Zovkic

Sweatt

2012

Neuropsychopharmacol

169

114

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One of the most exciting discoveries in the learning and memory field in the past two decades is the observation that active regulation of gene expression is necessary for experience to trigger lasting functional and behavioral change, in a wide variety of species, including humans. Thus, as opposed to the traditional view of 'nature' (genes) being separate from 'nurture' (environment and experience), it is now clear that experience actively drives alterations in central nervous system (CNS) gene expression in an ongoing fashion, and that the resulting transcriptional changes are necessary for experience to trigger altered long-term behavior. In parallel over the past decade, epigenetic mechanisms, including regulation of chromatin structure and DNA methylation, have been shown to be potent regulators of gene transcription in the CNS. In this review, we describe data supporting the hypothesis that epigenetic molecular mechanisms, especially DNA methylation and demethylation, drive long-term behavioral change through active regulation of gene transcription in the CNS. Specifically, we propose that epigenetic molecular mechanisms underlie the formation and stabilization of context-and cue-triggered fear conditioning based in the hippocampus and amygdala, a conclusion reached in a wide variety of studies using laboratory animals. Given the relevance of cued and contextual fear conditioning to post-traumatic stress, by extension we propose that these mechanisms may contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans. Moreover, we speculate that epigenetically based pharmacotherapy may provide a new avenue of drug treatment for PTSD-related cognitive and behavioral function.

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Section: Epigenetic Mechanisms In Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Epigenetic Mechanisms In Ptsdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Learned Fear: Implications for PTSD

Zovkic

Sweatt

2012

Neuropsychopharmacol

169

114

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“…These research observations are in the direction of an epigenetic explanation of inter -individual variation and long lasting effects but have to be verified in future research. (18)(19)(20) Yehudas' actual research approach (21) is very promising as it attempts to offer a global view on gene expression and gene methylation and to specify what differentiates people with PTSD and people without PTSD in order to "identify causal networks that can help diagnose PTSD and identify new treatment targets in the brain" (22).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies on PTSD in regard to Cortisol levels and brain function measured salivary cortisol levels in Holocaust survivors as well as in the children of Holocaust mothers having PTSD as well as in infants of mothers with PTSD that were exposed pregnant at the 9/11 attacks on the WTC (18).…”

Section: Neurobiology Of Ptsd and Implications For Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurobiology of PTSD and implications for treatment: An overview

Sakellariou¹,

Stefanatou²

2017

Curr Res Integr Med

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T raumatic events accompany our everyday life in the form subjective painful losses and wounding: It may be the loss of a home pet, the loss of a job, robbery, a car accident, natural disasters, severe illness, the death of a beloved person, emotional neglect and abuse, betrayal, bullying, sexual abuse, rape, an earthquake, war, a terrorist attack. According to statistics one out of two persons will be exposed to a life-threatening event during lifetime (1). Some of them will be able to overcome this experience; some will be severely affected in the long term. Relevant studies indicate that about 7% of Americans have a prevalence to develop a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point of their lives. According to statistical data men are more often exposed to traumatic events than women, but women are more likely to suffer from a PTSD disorder (2,3). Respective data for Greece are at this time not available. Nevertheless, the refugees' crisis we are facing as a hosting country arises the issue of PTSD to a first line social problem that we have to face in terms of policy measures and treatment options. How can Neurobiology contribute to the understanding of what happens in body and mind of a person suffering from PTSD? Can neurobiological findings reveal a new perspective in the treatment of PTSD beyond pharmacotherapy and classical psychotherapeutic approaches that might contribute to develop effective psychotherapeutic interventions? What does the experience of PTSD mean for the offspring of PTSD sufferers? From a traumatic experience to PTSDExtreme stressful situations in life are addressed by an instinctive "fight or flight" response in order to assure survival. Alerting sensory environmental information reaches the brain and enters the amygdala, the operation center of the brain in the case of extreme stressful situations that is responsible for the activation of the hypothalamic -pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This activation produces multiple effects in body and mind in order for the individual to cope with the stressors. Via the SNS system the adrenal glands release hormones called catecholamines into the blood causing increased blood pressure, glucose levels and heart rate in order to support the body to "fight or fly". At the same time the hypothalamus, when stimulated releases neuropeptides that lead to the discharge of cortisol that binds the glucocorticoid receptors in the brain and reduces stress responses (4). Usually the stress response function contributes to the adaptation to threat and restores the homeostasis of the organism with an extinction of these reactions when stimuli are not present any more. Traumatic experiences are triggered by perceived overwhelming danger and are accompanied by intense feelings of fear, horror and helplessness. Such situations may lead to a dysregulation of the described underlying biological stress mechanisms known as the "fear circuitry" leading to stress related symptoms like PTSD. The state of chemical dysregul...

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“…These babies were found to have a low level of cortisol, like their traumatised mothers, which makes them vulnerable to developing PTSD in later life (Yehuda et al 2005 ). This epigenetic fi nding makes it all the more important to focus on the prevention and resolution of confl icts as it shows how traumas of the past can affect successive generations (Yehuda and Bierer 2009 ).…”

Section: The Effects Of Traumatisation On Individuals or Communitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Representative Decision-Making: Challenges to Democratic Peace Theory

Çuhadar

Druckman

2014

Handbook of International Negotiation

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It has become only too evident that traditional methods of confl ict prevention and resolution are no longer adequate or effective. This is why editor and contributor Mauro Galluccio's present volume appears to fi ll in an existing and ever more visible void in shaping an entirely new approach in modern-day diplomacy. The signifi cance of this book can hardly be over-rated. It offers an entirely new political and psychological angle to transforming confl ict by managing interpersonal dynamics and tailoring preventive behaviors. It alerts us to the crucial role of the mental heritage of confl icts and powerful emotions. In brief, it enhances an entirely new type of negotiation as a fundamental tool of managing, preventing, and resolving confl ict by acknowledging the diversity of mental viewpoints about any given reality.This volume can indeed serve as a handbook to practitioners-diplomats and decision-makers-in educating themselves, in reshaping their own outlook, and in even bettering themselves as individuals in positions of authority and responsibility for bringing positive change to the lives of millions of people. Elena Poptodorova Ambassador of Bulgaria to the United StatesGalluccio has brought together a distinguished and diverse group of scholars and practitioners to address an enduring, if evolving, challenge to human wellbeing: violent confl ict between nations and subnational groups. His aim is to organize the interdisciplinary character of the research, on which the authors draw, into coherent perspectives on the causes of confl icts and potentially effective interventions designed to prevent and resolve them.There is much that is new here. Perhaps most important, there is a focus on the personal and emotional character of confl ict-for those who engage in it and those who intervene to mitigate it. The passion, competence, and intensity that Galluccio brings to this edited volume is striking and appropriate, in light of the importance of the topic to those who have been or will be victims of violent confl ict, but at no point does it detract from the intellectual rigor that characterizes the entire volume. Robert L. Gallucci US Ambassador-at-Large Past President of the MacArthur Foundation Former US Assistant Secretary of StateThis timely volume and the work of Dr. Mauro Galluccio on international negotiation and mediation is extremely relevant in the current climate of confl ict throughout the world and the potential perils that presently exist among nations. This collection of essays by renowned scholars, foreign policy experts, offi cials, psychologists, and other practitioners, ably assembled and edited by Dr. Mauro Galluccio, is so very welcome. This handbook highlights the complexity, and diffi culty, of international negotiations. Fortunately, it also provides important and useful tools for those responsible for conducting diplomacy with terrorists and insurgents. It is sure to be widely read, cited, and used as a valuable reference work for years to come. Mitchell Reiss President of the Colon...

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The relevance of epigenetics to PTSD: Implications for the DSM‐V

Cited by 194 publications

References 57 publications

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Learned Fear: Implications for PTSD

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Learned Fear: Implications for PTSD

Neurobiology of PTSD and implications for treatment: An overview

Representative Decision-Making: Challenges to Democratic Peace Theory

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