FKBP5 Methylation and Childhood Emotional Abuse in Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Investigating the Relationship and Its Predictive Role in Therapy Outcome

Epigenetic modifications in the FKBP5 gene, which is involved in regulating the stress response, have been found to be associated with trauma-related mental disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has suggested that FKBP5 may also be a predictor of therapy outcomes. However, there is limited evidence regarding its relationship with complex PTSD (cPTSD). This pilot study aimed to investigate the association between cPTSD and FKBP5 DNA methylation, as well as its predictive role in therapy outcomes among patients undergoing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for PTSD (DBT-PTSD), a 12-week trauma-focused inpatient treatment program.

29 patients with cPTSD who participated in the DBT-PTSD program were enrolled. FKBP5 DNA methylation levels were measured at two CpG sites before treatment (n=25) and after completing DBT-PTSD (n=15). To assess the predictive value of FKBP5 DNA methylation, we categorized the sample into responders and non-responders based on therapy outcome.