Fig. 1.
Illustration of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis related (epi-)genetic and endocrine findings in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current state of research suggests that at least a subgroup of individuals with PTSD presents with a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms and DNA methylation patterns that are associated with altered HPA axis functioning, such as increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) sensitivity and hypocortisolaemia. These characteristics may directly contribute to the manifestation of PTSD symptoms via disturbed memory processes. University of Zurich, Information Technology, MELS/SIVIC, Tara von Grebel