Resilience: Genetic Variants Involved in Surviving Childhood Trauma

Exposure to childhood trauma, such as exposure to abuse, violence, or repeated stress, can have a long-lasting effect. Adults exposed to childhood trauma have higher rates of depression, PTSD, suicide, and anxiety disorders.

Researchers have attempted to answer the question: Why are some people resilient to childhood trauma while others have lifelong effects? Genetics is a big part of that answer. For some, childhood trauma causes physiological changes that last a lifetime.

Background on cortisol:

The HPA axis:

The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) may play an integral role in resilience to stress. Several studies have investigated the role of the HPA axis, childhood adversity, and adult depression or anxiety.[ref] One study concluded, “A history of childhood trauma has long-standing effects on adulthood cortisol responses to stress, particularly in that depressed individuals with a history of childhood trauma show blunted cortisol responses”.[ref]

The HPA axis is basically the interactions and feedback loops between the brain (hypothalamus) and the pituitary and adrenal glands. It regulates things like mood, energy, body temperature, and immune function — as well as the body’s release of cortisol in response to stress.

Related Article: HPA Axis Dysfunction and Genetics

Corticotropin-releasing hormone:

The production of Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) occurs in the hypothalamus. CRH, in turn, activates ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH controls the synthesis of cortisol, mineralocorticoids, and DHEA. So it is a pathway that starts in the brain and ends with the release of hormones, such as cortisol, from the adrenal glands.

For example, CRH release increases anxiety, suppresses appetite, and increases attention – just what you need when a tiger is chasing you, but not good when it is chronically a little elevated. Cortisol levels naturally rise and fall over the course of the day in rhythm with your body’s circadian clock. There can be a cascade of chronic effects if this rhythm is either out of phase or dampened.

CRH also activates the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor CRHR1. Several quite common genetic variants of CRHR 1 seem to interact with childhood trauma. Depending on the genotype, these variants can either increase or decrease the likelihood of long-term effects.

These genetic differences might indicate why some adults have lasting problems with cortisol (or ‘adrenal fatigue’) if exposed to traumatic events in childhood – or had chronic stress in their childhood. Or, to put it the opposite way, these variants are why some adults have no long-term problems from childhood trauma.

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