Researchers discover a gene may be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder

Researchers from University of Vermont may have discovered an association between a specific gene and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The results of the findings can be found in the journal called Nature.

What they found was a certain hormone that is present in the blood of women. This hormone is also said to be linked with anxiety, and potentially now, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While preliminary results show promise, other researchers claim additional research must be conducted to make a concrete conclusion as to whether or not this link actually exists.

Researchers explain that in many cases, when discoveries are first surfacing about various links between genes and the causes of certain disorders or illnesses, is that there is usually a fair amount of overlap in symptoms. However, in the case of this potential PTSD link, no known symptoms are as similar as the findings from the research here.

Still, doctors may want to test individuals for the new hormone to determine whether or not a patient notices an increased risk for anxiety or PTSD.