Biological and neurocognitive correlates of comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder: a systematic review.

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently co-occur, leading to greater clinical burden than either disorder alone. Despite this, little is known about the biological pathways linking these two disorders.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review to synthesize evidence on molecular, genetic, neural, and cognitive mechanisms contributing to comorbid PTSD & AUD.Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a comprehensive search of five databases using PTSD-related, AUD-related, biological, and neurocognitive terms. Participants had to meet diagnostic criteria for both PTSD and AUD, and studies were required to have a comparator including controls, PTSD only, or AUD only. A critical appraisal was completed for all studies.

Results

From 3904 identified papers, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Four studies examined the same molecular marker, with three papers derived from the same cohort, investigating baseline and stress-induced cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone, and found no differences unique to PTSD & AUD. One study linked low brain-derived neurotrophic factor and hazardous drinking to PTSD onset over 2 years following hospital admission. Genetic studies showed considerable overlap (72%) between PTSD and AUD in female twins, whereby the DRD2 A1 allele and the absence of the APOE ϵ2 allele were strongly associated with PTSD and drinking. Studies also reported lower neurometabolites, white matter integrity, and hippocampal volume in PTSD & AUD. Critical appraisal of these studies highlighted prominent selection bias (predominantly male and veterans) and limited justification of sample size.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PTSD & AUD may be characterized by distinct neurobiological alterations and genetic vulnerabilities relative to comparator groups. However, as there are currently insufficient data to support or refute these findings, this highlights the need for further research.