Dissertation
Genetic Biomarkers of Ketamine on PTSD
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00941
Abstract
Accelerated advances in genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatic technologies have driven molecular discoveries in mental health and led to the emergence of precision psychiatry. A key challenge in treating mental health disorders has been the variable effectiveness of pharmacological interventions. Advances in biomarker discovery and pharmacogenomics are driving precision medicine approaches that enhance treatment efficacy and, when combined with psychotherapy, have the potential for long term remission. At the forefront of this effort is research into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe trauma-related psychiatric condition that arises from experiencing or witnessing a distressing event. Approximately 10% of the population will develop PTSD in their lifetime. While most individuals exposed to trauma experience transient symptoms of hyperarousal, avoidance, and re-experiencing that subside over time, PTSD sufferers continue to experience persistent and distressing symptoms long after the event. PTSD also has a high comorbidity rate with other psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. In many cases, PTSD progresses into a chronic condition, with up to 40% of sufferers continuing to experience symptoms for more than a decade post-onset. Despite the availability of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, a large number of individuals remain treatment resistant. In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for PTSD due to its rapid onset and antidepressant effects. However, its long-term efficacy remains uncertain, with ongoing debate regarding relapse rates and long-term symptom improvement. Despite significant research efforts, understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin PTSD and optimising treatment strategies continues to be a significant challenge. Molecular studies investigating PTSD have largely relied on candidate gene approaches and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), however these have often produced inconsistent and non-replicable results. This thesis aimed to identify critical knowledge gaps by synthesising existing research and addressing them through advanced methylome and transcriptome sequencing, followed by AI-driven bioinformatic analysis.
Details
- Title
- Genetic Biomarkers of Ketamine on PTSD
- Authors
- Nathan Wellington - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, External
- Contributors
- Anna Kuballa (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationBonnie Quigley (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00941
- Grant note
- This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship and The University of the Sunshine Coast. The Oral Ketamine Trial on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was gratefully funded internally through the Thompson Institute. The Genetic Biomarkers of Ketamine on PTSD was gratefully funded internally through philanthropic interest within the Thompson Institute.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991136700402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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