Low posttrauma GABA plasma levels as a predictive factor in the development of acute posttraumatic stress disorder

Guillaume Vaiva; Pierre Thomas; François Ducrocq; Monique Fontaine; Virginie Boss; Patrick Devos; Claire Rascle; Olivier Cottencin; Alain Brunet; Philippe Laffargue; Michel Goudemand

doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2003.08.009

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Low posttrauma GABA plasma levels as a predictive factor in the development of acute posttraumatic stress disorder

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Low posttrauma GABA plasma levels as a predictive factor in the development of acute posttraumatic stress disorder

Guillaume Vaiva, Pierre Thomas, François Ducrocq, Monique Fontaine, Virginie Boss, Patrick Devos, Claire Rascle, Olivier Cottencin, Alain Brunet, Philippe Laffargue, …

Biological Psychiatry, Vol.55(3), pp.250-254

2004

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2003.08.009

PMID: 14744465

Abstract

biology

GABA

motor vehicle accident

posttraumatic stress disorder

risk factor

Background Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) regulates the intensity and the duration of the central hyperadrenergic response in times of high stress and has been negatively associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. We hypothesized that individuals with low plasma GABA levels may be more prone to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of trauma exposure. Methods To test this hypothesis, we measured plasma GABA levels in a population of 108 road traffic accident victims on arrival at a traumatology department and assessed them for PTSD 6 weeks later. Results The mean GABA level (nmol/mL) in the PTSD group (n = 55; M = .20; SD = .08) was significantly lower compared with members of the trauma-exposed group who did not develop PTSD [n = 17; M = .30; SD = .09), t(70) = 3.94, p = .0002]. Conclusions Provided that GABA levels in the brain are genetically predetermined, our results would suggest that individuals with low plasma GABA levels are premorbidly more vulnerable to stress-related disorders such as acute PTSD. If replicated, plasma GABA levels measured in the aftermath of trauma exposure might help to identify individuals at high risk for developing PTSD.

Details

Title: Low posttrauma GABA plasma levels as a predictive factor in the development of acute posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Guillaume Vaiva (Corresponding Author) - Paris Nanterre University (Université Paris Nanterre) - Nanterre, France
Pierre Thomas
François Ducrocq
Monique Fontaine
Virginie Boss
Patrick Devos
Claire Rascle
Olivier Cottencin
Alain Brunet - McGill University
Philippe Laffargue - Université de Lille
Michel Goudemand
Publication details: Biological Psychiatry, Vol.55(3), pp.250-254
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
Date published: 2004
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2003.08.009
ISSN: 1873-2402
PMID: 14744465
Organisation Unit: Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991105742702621
Output Type: Journal article