This is the second post in a mini-series about blood. The first post is found here; the series was interrupted because of the Jewish holidays.
I haven’t written much about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) lately.
Mostly because of two reasons. The first- there haven’t been a bunch of scientific improvements in the treatment. The second- thankfully- because our involvement in the wars in the Middle East are somewhat attenuated, fewer cases have been reported. (But, the numbers are still significant. About 1 in 9 [11%] to 1 in 5 [20%] of troops serving in Afghanistan or Iraq manifest PTSD.)
But, now, thanks to funding from the Pentagon, there will be a better diagnostic approach. Not a better treatment, just better identification of who may be suffering from PTSD.
The funded research has identified a series of molecular markers than can be discerned in the blood. (Out of a million potential markers, the team narrowed the field down to 343 and then chose the 28 that have been identified with the syndrome.) And, if this test works, all troops will be screened- and then sent to specialists for in-depth assessment and treatment.
(Believe it or not, most ACTIVE troops don’t want to report any PTSD symptoms- they are typically reported once the troop has returned stateside- or perhaps even right after discharge. This test will mean self-reporting won’t be an issue- if you have the markers, you will be treated.)
The test is not foolproof- nor will it obviate extensive additional examination. The goal is to discern potential problems and deal with the situation early, rather than late. Moreover, only 200 folks have been so tested, so when the reports say it’s 77% accurate, you know there is insufficient data to proclaim such a success rate. Moreover, this test could be like detecting diabetes- different types have different markers.
This multi-institution study (39 authors) under the auspices of Drs. Marti Jett (Chief Scientist, US Army Medical Research and Development Command), Francis Doyle (Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard) and Charles Marmar (Chief of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine) published their results (Multi-omic biomarker identification and validation for diagnosing warzone-related post-traumatic stress disorder) in the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry.
Let’s hope the results stay positive as they test more troops. But, more importantly, let’s hope fewer of our troops are so afflicted- and successful treatments are derived.
Oh wow! This is super cool! It is encouraging to know there are things like this being developed to help those in the military as early as possible. I hope it will spread further as many people have PTSD outside the armed forces and could really benefit from something like this. Thanks for sharing!
I believe once the test reaches about 90% detection, it will become available for all, Jace.
It is amazing, and yet should not be a surprise, that our genetic make-up actually changes as a result of having PTSD. Or, does one get PTSD as a result of having the markers and then experiencing the trauma?
It is important that those that have it be identified so they can take action to deal with it. We need to support those that have been in situations where they could have lost their lives to protect us.
I may not be a war supporter, but I support the troops!
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It’s our phenomic expression, Paul.
I am in total agreement with your last two paragraphs, Paul.
Fascinating article. I actually learned something new today.
Honored by your comment, Trent!
I never would have dreamed a blood test could be used as a diagnostic tool for uncovering PTSD. I know two women whose sons came back from this combat. Both were affected. I don’t know if either ever received treatment. This is wonderful, if it pans out.
Me, neither, Alana! That’s why I reported it- to spur us on, to be creative, and to look for things where we don’t expect to find them.
This would be a great breakthrough! Too bad it wasn’t able to help those in othe “older” wars. So many suffer in silence from serving in Vietnam.
I fear the biggest component in our homeless generation are those suffering from PTSD, having served our country in its wars.
This test will definitely be such a boon if it works right.. PTSD impacts so many and early identification is always better for anything
I’m with you on both those sentences, Vidya!
Wow, amazing. Even if they’re still in the early stages, this just gives hope for a lot of the troops.
Interesting series about blood, Roy. I have to go first to the post before this post. 😀
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Thanks for the visit and the comment, Bing. Yes, this is an intriguing development!
PTSD is difficult to diagnose in many people including brave soldiers.If blood tests help it will make this much easier to help with.You never know what traumatizes someone.
Absolutely true that we can’t predict who will develop PTSD or what specific event can lead to such trauma. And, at least until this process proves foolproof, it’s also difficult to discern who is, indeed, suffering from PTSD.