# Alcohol Use Phenotypes and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Investigating Shared Genetic, Behavioral, and Psychophysiological Risk Factors

> **NIH NIH K01** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $168,226

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Traumatic events are common. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common
disorders resulting from trauma, tending to co-occur with increased alcohol consumption (i.e., alcohol quantity
x frequency [AQF]) and AUD. Much of this research on the comorbidity of PTSD and alcohol phenotypes has
focused on PTSD-AUD. As increased consumption of alcohol is associated with AUD, research is needed to
determine whether the same etiologic processes underlying PTSD-AUD comorbidity are those underlying
PTSD and AQF. Although the pathways by which shared risk for these phenotypes unfolds is unclear,
longitudinal and experimental research suggests effects of distress tolerance (DT), the perceived ability to
withstand negative emotional states, and anxiety sensitivity (AS), cognitive appraisal of anxiety symptoms as
having harmful physical, mental, or social consequences, on PTSD and alcohol phenotypes. Additionally,
genetic influences on PTSD and AQF/AUD may underlie risk for DT and AS. Thus, the goals of this K01
application are threefold: First, the proposed study will use large-scale molecular data and employ cutting-edge
methods to investigate cross phenotype prediction between PTSD-AQF, and PTSD-AUD, and direction of
effect between PTSD and AQF/AUD. Second, this study proposes to investigate the associations between DT
and AS, and risk for PTSD, AUD, and comorbid PTSD-AUD. Finally, via an Exploratory Aim, it will examine
whether genetic risk for AQF, AUD, and PTSD are associated with DT and AS, and if socioeconomic status
and social support moderate these effects.
 To achieve these aims, the candidate will be assisted by her mentorship team in the completion of a
comprehensive training plan that maps onto these three goals. Specifically, this K01 application will allow the
candidate to receive training in cutting edge genetic methods (training goal 1), laboratory-based paradigms and
psychophysiological data (training goal 2), the psychiatric and social epidemiology of stress-related
phenotypes (training goal 3), and professional development (training goal 4). With the help of the
multidisciplinary mentorship team, this K01 award will allow the candidate to integrate large-scale genetic
association findings with laboratory-based self-report, behavioral, and psychophysiological measures, to
predict risk for PTSD-AQF/AUD co-occurrence for those of varying SES levels and varying social support. The
proposed study represents an important step forward in clarifying risk factors and mechanisms of this costly
co-occurrence. The environment where the candidate will be trained is ideal for the candidate's long-term goal
of understanding the etiology of co-occurring PTSD and alcohol phenotypes to improve prevention/intervention
programs. This goal is in line with key NIAAA's research priorities, involving identifying mechanisms underlying
AUD and co-occurring mental health problems while integrating genomic and non-genomic factors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10356849
- **Project number:** 5K01AA028058-03
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kaitlin Elizabeth Bountress
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $168,226
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10356849

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10356849, Alcohol Use Phenotypes and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Investigating Shared Genetic, Behavioral, and Psychophysiological Risk Factors (5K01AA028058-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10356849. Licensed CC0.

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