Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has gained much attention. The mental and
emotional trauma an individual goes through that affects them long-term does not apply only
to military personnel. The disorder is controversial for multiple reasons, including some
believing it does not truly exist. There is growing evidence it has a strong VGXE (variance due
to environmental variation that influences gene expression) component to it.
Research the VGXE component of PTSD. Discuss the interactions (at least three) seen thus
far between the genome and the environment, be specific. Discuss the implications of the
interactions (how they contribute to PTSD). What are the implications of VGXE when it comes
to treatment? Is there a way to potentially lessen the impacts of PTSD utilizing knowledge
of VGXE interactions? Is there a way to potentially prevent PTSD from occurring? What
other research needs to be done with this disorder?
For this paper, gather multiple journal articles, read them, and formulate your ideas relating
to the questions posed above. You, of course, may interject your own thoughts and opinions,
but make sure you back them up with evidence from the journal articles you find. You need
to have all elements of a research paper – introduction, main body, and conclusion.
Paper Criteria
 Provide a clear introduction to the topic of this paper;
 Provide at least three interactions seen thus far between the genes responsible for PTSD
and the environment;
 Discuss the implications of the VGXE interactions and PTSD;
 Discuss the implications of VGXE when it comes to the treatment of PTSD;
 Discuss potential ways to lessen the impacts of PTSD utilizing knowledge of
VGXE interactions;
 Discuss any ways of potentially preventing PTSD from occurring;
 Discuss other research they believe needs to be done with this disorder.