Epigenetics explains PTSD better than NeoDarwinism


The article "Predictive evidence of the relevance of epigenetics to PTSD" by Yehuda and Bierer (2023) reviews the evidence for a role of epigenetics in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Epigenetic modifications are changes to DNA that do not alter the DNA sequence itself as with Neo Darwinism , but can affect how genes are expressed. These modifications can be influenced by environmental factors, such as trauma exposure.

The authors begin by reviewing observational evidence that suggests a link between epigenetics and PTSD. For example, they note that children of Holocaust survivors are more likely to develop PTSD than children of non-survivors. This suggests that epigenetic modifications that occurred in the survivors' DNA in response to trauma exposure may have been passed down to their children, increasing their risk of developing PTSD.

The authors then review evidence from animal studies that supports a role for epigenetics in PTSD. For example, they discuss studies in rats that showed that exposure to early-life stress can lead to epigenetic changes in genes that regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is a system that is involved in the body's response to stress. Dysregulation of the HPA axis is a hallmark of PTSD.

The authors conclude that the evidence for a role of epigenetics in PTSD is growing. They suggest that epigenetic modifications may play a role in both the development and the transmission of PTSD. They also suggest that epigenetics may be a potential target for new treatments for PTSD.

Here are some of the specific epigenetic factors that have been implicated in the development of PTSD:

  • DNA methylation: DNA methylation is a process that adds a methyl group to a DNA molecule. This can silence the gene, preventing it from being expressed. Studies have shown that DNA methylation of certain genes is altered in people with PTSD.

  • Histone modification: Histones are proteins that wrap around DNA. They can be modified in ways that affect how tightly DNA is wrapped. This can affect the accessibility of genes to transcription factors, which are proteins that regulate gene expression. Studies have shown that histone modifications of certain genes are altered in people with PTSD.

  • Non-coding RNA: Non-coding RNA is a type of RNA that does not encode proteins. It can regulate gene expression by binding to DNA or RNA. Studies have shown that levels of non-coding RNA are altered in people with PTSD.

Epigenetics explains PTSD outside of neo darwinism. It focuses on the role of environmental factors in influencing gene expression and not random mutations.

Exposure to trauma can lead to epigenetic changes that alter gene expression without NeoDarwinian  mutations and increase the risk of developing PTSD.

Epigenetic explanations of PTSD outside of neo darwinism provides a new way to understand the disorder. They suggest that PTSD is not simply a matter of genetic inheritance as with "gene centric" evolution, but that it is also influenced by environmental factors. This opens up new possibilities for treatment, as it suggests that epigenetic changes may be reversible.

Here are some specific examples of how epigenetics can explain PTSD outside of neodarwinism:

  • Exposure to early-life stress: Studies have shown that children who experience early-life stress are more likely to develop PTSD later in life. This suggests that epigenetic changes that occur in response to early-life stress may increase the risk of developing PTSD. NeoDarwinism does not act in one generation.

  • Trauma exposure: Exposure to trauma can also lead to epigenetic changes. Studies have shown that people who have experienced trauma have altered DNA methylation and histone modification patterns. These changes may increase the risk of developing PTSD. NeoDarwinism can not act in an individual's lifetime.

  • Social and economic conditions: Social and economic conditions can also have an epigenetic impact. Studies have shown that people who live in poverty or who have experienced discrimination are more likely to have altered DNA methylation patterns. These changes may increase the risk of developing PTSD. NeoDarwinism has no mechanisms for this.

It is important to note that epigenetic changes are not permanent. They can be reversed by environmental factors, such as stress reduction, psychotherapy, and medication. NeoDarwinism is not reversible. This suggests that epigenetics may be a potential target for new treatments for PTSD.

The research on epigenetics and PTSD is still in its early stages, but it is a promising area of research. Epigenetic modifications may provide a new way to understand and treat PTSD outside of Neo Darwinism.



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