Traumatic events are common. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common disorders resulting from trauma, tending to co-occur with increased alcohol consumption (i.e., alcohol quantity x frequency [AQF]) and AUD. Much of this research on the comorbidity of PTSD and alcohol phenotypes has focused on PTSD-AUD. As increased consumption of alcohol is associated with AUD, research is needed to determine whether the same etiologic processes underlying PTSD-AUD comorbidity are those underlying PTSD and AQF. Although the pathways by which shared risk for these phenotypes unfolds is unclear, longitudinal and experimental research suggests effects of distress tolerance (DT), the perceived ability to withstand negative emotional states, and anxiety sensitivity (AS), cognitive appraisal of anxiety symptoms as having harmful physical, mental, or social consequences, on PTSD and alcohol phenotypes. Additionally, genetic influences on PTSD and AQF/AUD may underlie risk for DT and AS. Thus, the goals of this K01 application are threefold: First, the proposed study will use large-scale molecular data and employ cutting-edge methods to investigate cross phenotype prediction between PTSD-AQF, and PTSD-AUD, and direction of effect between PTSD and AQF/AUD. Second, this study proposes to investigate the associations between DT and AS, and risk for PTSD, AUD, and comorbid PTSD-AUD. Finally, via an Exploratory Aim, it will examine whether genetic risk for AQF, AUD, and PTSD are associated with DT and AS, and if socioeconomic status and social support moderate these effects. To achieve these aims, the candidate will be assisted by her mentorship team in the completion of a comprehensive training plan that maps onto these three goals. Specifically, this K01 application will allow the candidate to receive training in cutting edge genetic methods (training goal 1), laboratory-based paradigms and psychophysiological data (training goal 2), the psychiatric and social epidemiology of stress-related phenotypes (training goal 3), and professional development (training goal 4). With the help of the multidisciplinary mentorship team, this K01 award will allow the candidate to integrate large-scale genetic association findings with laboratory-based self-report, behavioral, and psychophysiological measures, to predict risk for PTSD-AQF/AUD co-occurrence for those of varying SES levels and varying social support. The proposed study represents an important step forward in clarifying risk factors and mechanisms of this costly co-occurrence. The environment where the candidate will be trained is ideal for the candidate's long-term goal of understanding the etiology of co-occurring PTSD and alcohol phenotypes to improve prevention/intervention programs. This goal is in line with key NIAAA's research priorities, involving identifying mechanisms underlying AUD and co-occurring mental health problems while integrating genomic and non-genomic factors.

Public Health Relevance

Alcohol consumption (alcohol quantity x frequency/AQF), Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often co-occur, and there is emerging evidence that shared genetic risk may partially account for the high rates of this co-occurrence. This project seeks to clarify the shared molecular genetic underpinnings of the PTSD-AQF/AUD co-occurrence, while testing two key laboratory-based phenotypes (i.e., distress tolerance and anxiety sensitivity) as potential predictors, and socioeconomic status and social support as moderators of genetic effects. This K01 award will provide the candidate with the necessary training to become an independent, federally-funded investigator in the intersection of traumatic stress-related outcomes, laboratory-based paradigms, and psychiatric and statistical genetics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01AA028058-02
Application #
10112788
Study Section
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Initial Review Group (AA)
Program Officer
Zha, Wenxing
Project Start
2020-03-01
Project End
2025-02-28
Budget Start
2021-03-01
Budget End
2022-02-28
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2021
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
105300446
City
Richmond
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
23298