- 5 DAYS AGO MARCH 24, 2014
A landmark study is looking into how PTSD affects returning soldiers’ DNA. Source: News Limited
A WORLD-first Brisbane study into post-traumatic stress disorder has been launched into whether war service can change a person’s DNA, putting veterans at increased risk of physical illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and dementia.
Scientists will compare 300 Vietnam veterans, about half of them diagnosed with PTSD, as part of landmark research into the disorder that affects about a million Australians.
They will undergo genetic testing as well as a detailed physical examination, including heart and brain scans.
Psychiatrist Bruce Lawford, who treats veterans at the Greenslopes Private Hospital, said many of them were dealing with physical ill-health on top of their PTSD, despite having to pass strict fitness tests to enter the defence forces.
Professor Lawford said the researchers would study the veterans’ DNA, particularly looking at whether environmental stress had altered the function of particular genes, by turning them on or off.
“Veterans often report their children have a lot of problems with anxiety and depression and it may be that some of these changes produced in their genes by the environment, may actually be inherited by their children. It’s a big problem.’’
Professor Lawford said the genetic testing would also look into why some veterans developed PTSD and others did not.
“We’re very interested in this idea of resilience,” he said.
Psychologist Ross Young, executive dean of Queensland University of Technology’s health faculty, said PTSD exposed the body to chronic levels of stress hormones “potentially for decades”.
“We’re very concerned about what multiple health impacts that might have,” Professor Young said.
PTSD symptoms can include memory problems, flashbacks, avoidance of situations that trigger thoughts of a traumatic event and mood changes.
http://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/vietnam-veterans-to-be-compared-in-landmark-study-in-posttraumatic-stress-disorder/story-fnii5v6w-1226862698583
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