mental health

ADRB2

The Fear-Based Learning Gene & PTSD (ADRB2)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on September 29th, 2020

The epinephrine receptor ADRB2 plays an important role in the fight or flight response. Can it protect you from PTSD? Read on to learn more.

Summary

ADRB2 encodes the β2-adrenergic receptor, which is bound and activated by epinephrine. Variants of ADRB2 may play a role in PTSD by changing the way the brain encodes fear-based memories. Lifestyle modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by activating ADRB2 and reducing the feeling of fear associated with psychological triggers.

ADRB2 and PTSD

The ADRB2 gene encodes the β2-adrenergic receptor, likewise abbreviated ADRB2. It has a very wide range of functions, sending signals in many different tissues [R, R].

ADRB2 has been implicated in many psychological disorders; variants that reduce the expression of the ADRB2 gene or the activity of the receptor are more common in people with depression, panic disorders, agoraphobia, and anxiety. Low ADRB2 sensitivity has also been linked to pacing, twitching, and tics in people with depression [R].

ADRB2 encodes an adrenergic receptor. It becomes activated when epinephrine, the primary “fight or flight” signal, binds to it. Thus, it’s not surprising that variants in ADRB2 are associated with anxiety, fear, and mental conditions related to them [R].

More precisely, ADRB2 appears to affect the way that we encode memories to do with fear. One variant in this gene may change the way we learn from fear; people with this variant hold onto a fear response less than the average population, potentially protecting them from panic disorders like PTSD [R, R, R].

ADRB2 encodes a receptor for epinephrine which changes the way we learn from fear-based memories.

Your ADRB2 Results for PTSD

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs2400707

ADRB2 rs2400707

‘G’ = Not associated with PTSD
‘A’ = Associated with resilience to stress, possibly protected from PTSD
People with the ‘A’ allele may form fear-based memories differently, preventing them from experiencing a dramatic fear response [R].
This association has only been demonstrated in African American women [R].

Recommendations

Exercise

Exercise triggers the release of epinephrine, which binds to and activates ADRB2 [R].

People who exercise regularly experience lower levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depression, while lack of regular physical activity has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety [R, R].

Physical exercise interventions based on aerobic exercise, resistance training, or both improved PTSD in multiple trials. While aerobic exercise was more effective at improving anxiety and overall psychological distress, resistance training also helped with specific PTSD symptoms, distress tolerance, and sleep quality [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

Strenuous exercise increases the blood levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a messenger molecule that helps prevent PTSD caused by rises in stress hormones [R, R].

Exercise activates ADRB2 by releasing epinephrine and has been found to reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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Summary ADRB2 and PTSD Your ADRB2 Results for PTSD

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