Trauma writing reduces conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA) gene expression: A culturally adapted pilot study

Abstract

Introduction

Psychosocial interventions to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-associated distress can improve health of people with PTSD. To identify potential biological mechanisms, we tested whether a PTSD-focused written emotional disclosure (WED) intervention can reduce a stress-associated gene expression profile known as the Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity (CTRA).

Methods

This pilot RCT compared 4 sessions of WED to a control group writing about daily events among thirteen Hispanic women who were living with or at risk for HIV, and had pre-post intervention gene expression data available (9 WED, 3 control). The PTSD checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to measure trauma symptom severity and CTRA gene expression was assessed by whole blood RNA sequencing.

Results

Primary analyses showed a significant Time x Intervention interaction (F_[1,11] = 16.01; p = 0.002), with the Intervention group showing a significant decrease in CTRA gene expression whereas the Control group revealed a significant increase. Effects on trauma symptoms were also significant.

Conclusion

PTSD-focused WED can reduce CTRA gene expression and PTSD symptoms in Hispanic women living with or at risk for HIV infection. We believe this is the first study to show that trauma treatment impacts CTRA gene expression in the context of PTSD.