PTSD affects the immune system

[nancylebov]

The team identified a number of genes with altered methylation in people with PTSD – all of which were involved in immune function and brain cell development. This might explain why PTSD sufferers have weaker immune systems and poorer memories, says Galea.

What's more, the number of affected genes was linked to the number of traumatic events a person with PTSD had experienced. "We think that traumatic events induce methylation changes," says Galea.

Link thanks to haikujaguar.

Comments

[madfilkentist]

Perhaps trauma triggers a chemical response to suppress the memory of the event, contributing to memory loss?

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

Certainly possible, though another theory is that memories of the trauma don't get transferred from short term to long term memory, so there's less short term memory available for other purposes.

[regalpewter.livejournal.com]

Fascinating Article. BTW, Happy Natal Anniversary! Level Up!

YIS,
WRI

[hummingwolf.livejournal.com]

I hope you're having an excellent birthday!