The Biology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Two alumni stand at the forefront of research into posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Along with Dartmouth Medical School psychologist Stanley Rosenberg, DAIS psychiatrist Matthew Friedman '61 and psychologist Paula Schnurr G'85 have investigated how Pietnam vets have fared psychologically and physically. Now Friedman and Schnurr are undertaking two new Studies on the long-term effects of combat experience on physical and mental health.

One study focuses on physical responses. "People with PTSD react to stressful events with a number of abnormal responses involving their key psychobiological systems," says Friedman. "For example, people with PTSD exhibit heightened stressrelated elevations in heart rate and blood pressure as well as reduced production of the stress hormone Cortisol." He and Schnurr hope that greater understanding of physical reactions will lead to more effective treatments for PTSD.

A second study, in collaboration with physiologist Peter Morganelli A&S'89, will measure levels of the CD 163 protein molecule, which is regulated by Cortisol. Morganelli hypothesizes that the baseline level of CD 163 will be lower among combat veterans suf- fering from PTSD than in veterans who have depression or no psychiatric disorders. Morganelli hopes that CD 163 measurements will become a useful tool for diagnosing and managing PTSD. Dartmouth Vietnam vetswith or without PTSD—who would like to participate in the study should contact project coordinator Harriet Rosenberg at (802) 296-5132.