The Root Cause of Post-traumatic and Developmental Stress Disorder
Abstract
Our overarching scientific hypothesis holds that serotonergic influences on brain development driven by genetics and early experience induce a variation of normal brain anatomy that makes the brain highly susceptible to the effects of severe stress. We are studying this question using both clinical and basic approaches. In year 1, equipment purchases, setup and initial IRB submissions were initiated. In year 2, local IRB approvals for 3 projects have been completed and we are awaiting HSRRB review on these projects (1. Fluoxetine treatment of active duty troops, 2. Genetic influences on emotional processing and brain structure: Longitudinal stability and variability, 3. The root cause of post-traumatic and developmental stress disorder: Reflex responses to facial emotion). An additional funding supplement and a change in scope to project 5, which will extend the MRI patient recruitment to include active duty troops at Fort Hood using a newly acquired mobile 3T MRI (provided by the VA) was implemented in FY2007-2008. A new subcontract with UTHSCSA was approved to provide existing brain material. Animal project work is approximately finished. Behavioral analysis indicates that both pre- and post-natal isolation stress alters the behavior of adult animals. Histological and stereological work on the brains from these animals is now in progress to complete these tasks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA588325
Entities
People
- Keith A. Young
Organizations
- Texas A&M University