Dysfunction In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

Cortical network dysfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder

Cortical network dysfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder

Olfactory identification in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.

Recent neuropsychological conceptualizations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) implicate dysfunction of the fronto-limbic system, a brain system thought to be involved in the mediation of emotion. However, few studies have examined fronto-limbic subregions, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, in PTSD. As a measure of orbitofrontal integrity, olfactory identification was assessed in 26 Vietnam War veterans with PTSD, 25 Vietnam War veterans without mental disorders, and 17 Vietnam-era, non-war-zone veterans without mental disorders. Relative to veterans without PTSD, those diagnosed with PTSD were less proficient in odor identification and verbal learning but not on other cognitive tests sensitive to dorsolateral prefrontal and mesial temporal functioning. Results bolster prior research indicating fronto-limbic dysfunction in PTSD, and suggest involvement of the orbitofrontal region.

The Role of Serotonin in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Neurobiology and Pharmacotherapy

AbstractMuch attention has been given to the role of catecholamine dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and only recently have researchers begun to focus on serotonin (5-HT) in PTSD. Serotonin appears to be a factor in responses followin extreme stress, such as those that precede PTSD. In this review, the authors provide a brief overview of the concept of PTSD and specific issues of clinical concern. The role 5-HT in the neurobiology of PTSD is explored in a review of animal model studies and of clinical investigations of paroxetine binding, pharmacologic challenges, and neuroimaging. Data on the use of 5-HT in PTSD treatment are provided in a review of both open-label and controlled studies of serotonergically active drugs.

Attention and memory dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Attention and memory dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder

Neuroendocrine studies examining the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis under baseline conditions and in response to neuroendocrine challenges have supported the hypothesis of altered HPA functioning in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, to date, there is much debate concerning the nature of HPA changes in PTSD. Furthermore, in studies showing parallel findings in PTSD and major depressive disorder there is controversy regarding whether the HPA alterations suggest a specific pathophysiology of PTSD, or, rather, reflect comorbid major depressive disorder. This review summarizes findings of HPA axis dysfunction in both PTSD and major depressive disorder, and shows distinct patterns of HPA changes, which are probably due to different mechanisms of action for cortisol and its regulatory factors.