The results of the present study have important implications for the prevention of trauma-related psychopathology. These findings indicate that PTSD and MDD are different manifestations of common inherited vulnerabilities. Because genetic risk is not disorder specific, a family history of either disorder puts individuals at elevated risk for PTSD, MDD, or both. Those with a positive family history should be closely monitored following trauma exposure for signs of either disorder. It is important to remember, however, that although more susceptible to trauma-related psychopathology, those with high genetic liability are by no means destined to develop either PTSD or MDD, both of which are influenced to a greater extent by environment than by genes.
