Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that are linked with regulating the immune system, Medical News Today reported. This finding may lead to the ability to identify individuals at risk of PTSD.
In a study of 188 U.S. Marines, researchers took blood samples before and after individuals were deployed to conflict zones. They identified groups of genes that regulate the innate immune system— the body’s first line of defense against pathogens— and interferon signaling— the release of signaling proteins in response to pathogens— were linked to PTSD.
PTSD, a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event such as military combat, may cause recurring, distressing memories, sleep problems, severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts." Foxnews
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First of all, the grunt from the 4th ID who is in the picture is weeping. So what? I have wept a lot in combat or in the aftermath and I do not have bad dreams about war, memories I cannot deal with, sleep problems, severe anxiety or suicidal thoughts. Am I an inherently alert and suspicious person? Yes, but I always was.
Somebody should have kicked the photographer's ass for intruding on this man's moment.
Old soldiers who have spent a lot of time under fire know that some people are much, MUCH less vulnerable to PTSD than others. In the "mommy loves you" world of the 21st Century this will be an unpopular thought. After all, are we not all wounded children? I have had women psychiatrists insist that I MUST have PTSD. I told one who said this that all I really needed was the affection of a good woman. She walked away. Thank God! Several shrinks have looked at me for this and decided that I am an inducer of PTSD and not a victim.
In my experience it was very easy to tell the difference between those petrified by acute anxiety in combat and those not. Those not are the ones who function well in the moment and who drag others out of their holes to do their duty and who make jokes while doing it.
It used to be thought that schizophrenia was something Freudian that psychoanalysis could resolve. We now know that this is a physical disease of the nervous system and brain. IMO something similar will emerge concerning PTSD.
My solution? Don't put people with this predisposition in; the infantry, armor, aviation or SF.
Perhaps in some future day a combat veteran will not have to listen to a young woman ask if he was one of "the crazy brave or the phony tough."
I asked if she had more choices. pl
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