Using Polymorphisms in FKBP5 to Define Biologically Distinct Subtypes of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severely debilitating psychiatric condition characterized by persistent symptoms of intrusive reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal following exposure to a traumatic event. Although a lifetime trauma incidence of 40% to 90% in the general population has been reported, the overall lifetime prevalence for PTSD ranges between 7% and 12%.1,2 This suggests that individuals with a specific genetic susceptibility might have a higher risk of developing PTSD after experiencing traumatic events. Twin and family studies have provided evidence for a genetic component in the development of PTSD.3-5