Successful Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

The importance of Neuro-Cognitive Processing to the Understanding and Treatment of Child PTSD

Abstract Basic research and current clinical practice have revealed the difficulty in separating/connecting cognition and emotion and their respective localizations in the brain. Regarding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), emotions (usually fear) cause a cascade of symptoms, including those impacting several cognitive processes. And it is often considered that relieving the emotional upset associated with PTSD will also improve related cognitive functioning. While it is often assumed that the relationship of emotion, cognition and PTSD is unidirectional, this may not necessarily be the case. The present article aims to describe the complex relationship between emotion and cognitive processes in those with PTSD and suggests an important role for executive functioning as a modulator of the emotion/cognition relationship, as well as the latter’s importance as a contributor to the successful treatment of PTSD. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of assessing cognitive processes in standard treatment protocols evaluating patients with PTSD and highlights the potential benefits of training executive functions as part of PTSD therapy. Keywords: PTSD, Cognitive processes, Emotion, Executive function, Neuropsychology.

Hyperarousal symptoms linger after successful PTSD treatment in active duty military.

Evidence-based psychotherapies are efficacious at reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but military and veteran samples improve less than civilians. The objective of this secondary analysis of two clinical trials of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) was to determine if hyperarousal symptoms were more resistant to change compared with other PTSD symptom clusters in active duty service members. Service members completed the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5) pre- and post-CPT. Symptoms were coded present if rated 2 (moderate) or higher on a 0-4 scale. Cutoffs for reliable and clinically significant change classified 21%, 18%, and 61% of participants as recovered, improved, and suboptimal responders, respectively. Data analyses focused on the posttreatment status of symptoms that were present at baseline to determine their persistence as a function of treatment outcome. Generalized linear mixed effects models with items treated as a repeated measure estimated the proportions who continued to endorse each symptom and compared hyperarousal symptoms with symptoms in other clusters. Among improved participants, the average hyperarousal symptom was present in 69% compared with 49% for symptoms in other clusters (p < .0001). Among recovered patients, hyperarousal symptoms were present for 26%, while symptoms in the reexperiencing (2%), avoidance (3%), and negative alterations (4%) clusters were almost nonexistent (p < .0001). Even among service members who recovered from PTSD after CPT, a significant minority continue to report hyperarousal symptoms while other symptoms remit. Hyperarousal symptoms may require additional treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Efficacy of Right-Sided Cervical Sympathetic Block in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Australian Cohorts: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and debilitating condition in Australia. Success rates for current therapies may be delayed and inconsistent. This has led clinicians to explore other options, with cervical sympathetic blockade (CSB) being one of potential promise due to its high efficacy and rapid therapeutic onset. The original paper describing CSB was published in the United States of America (USA), and this was followed by multiple reports of successful PTSD treatment using stellate ganglion block (SGB). To date, no report of CSB utility in Australia has entered the medical literature. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of CSB as a treatment option for patients diagnosed with PTSD in multiple Australian cohorts. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: An established anesthesia pain clinic in 4 Australian cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne). Methods: The total cohort included 99 consecutive cases of patients diagnosed with PTSD and treated with right-sided CSB, performed by eight providers across 4 cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne). The primary outcome measurement was the PTSD Checklist Score version DSM-5 (PCL-5), which established the initial diagnosis of PTSD. PCL-5 data collection commenced in July 2021 and data regarding trauma specifications was collected beginning in July 2022. Patient demographic and clinical information collected included age, gender, and type of trauma experienced. Results: After the exclusion of cases due to missing data points, 99 patients were included in the final statistical analysis, having completed PCL-5 pre and post-CSB, between 7 and 30-days post-intervention. The patient population included civilian men (n=49) and civilian women (n=50). We identified 22 types of self-reported trauma leading to PTSD. The average decrease in PCL scores for men and women was 23.69 and 21.64, respectively. Statistically significant improvements in PTSD symptoms were noted across varying sources of causative trauma type and gender. Limitations: Limitations include the limited scope of observation giving exclusive focus on pre-and post-PCL data, the limited duration of observation, the self-reported nature of the patient-provided data, and the provision of treatment by eight physicians across multiple locations. Conclusion: CSB seems to be an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms irrespective of gender, trauma type, PTSD-related drug use, suicide attempt, or age, in Australian cohorts.

Evaluating changes in negative posttrauma cognition as a mechanism of PTSD severity changes in two separate intensive treatment programs for veterans

BackgroundA wealth of evidence has illustrated that reductions in negative posttrauma cognitions (NPCs) predict improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during treatment. Yet, the specific temporal arrangement of changes in these constructs is less well understood. This study examined the temporal association between NPC changes and PTSD symptom changes in two distinct intensive PTSD treatment samples.MethodsData from 502 veterans who completed a 3-week CPT-based intensive PTSD treatment program was used to test the extent to which lagged NPC measurement predicted the next occurring PTSD severity measurement using linear mixed effects regression models. PTSD severity was assessed every other day during treatment. NPCs were assessed at three treatment timepoints. A second sample of 229 veterans who completed a 2-week CPT-based intensive PTSD treatment program was used to replicate these findings.ResultsAcross both intensive PTSD treatment programs, NPCs generally increased from intake the end of the first treatment week, which was followed by gradual decreases in NPCs throughout the rest of both programs. Change in NPCs during both the 3-week (b = .21, p < .001, R2 = .38) and the 2-week programs (b = 0.20, p < .001, R2 = .24) were significant predictors of change in PTSD symptom severity. However, the reverse was true as well, with change in PTSD severity predicting latter change in NPCs during both the 3-week (b = 1.51, p < .001, R2 = .37) and 2-week (b = 1.37, p < .001, R2 = .33) programs, further raising questions about temporality of the association between NPCs and PTSD symptom severity during treatment.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that changes in NPCs may not temporally precede changes in PTSD symptom severity in PTSD treatment samples. Instead, we observed earlier PTSD symptom changes and a bidirectional association between the two constructs across both samples. Clinically, the study supports the continued focus on NPCs as an important treatment target as they are an important indicator of successful PTSD treatment, even if they may not be a direct mechanism of treatment-based changes in PTSD severity. Future research should attempt to identify alternative mechanisms of change in CPT.

The relationship between recent PTSD secondary to sexual assault, hippocampal volume and resting state functional connectivity in adolescent girls

ObjectiveImproved understanding of the time course of neural changes associated with adolescent PTSD would elucidate the development of the disorder and could inform approaches to treatment. We compared hippocampal volumes and resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in adolescent girls with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) secondary to sexual assault, within six months of onset and age- and gender-matched, non-trauma exposed healthy controls (HCs) in São Paulo, Brazil. We also examined the relationship between pre- and post-treatment PTSD symptoms and RSFC. MethodWe collected brain structure, RSFC, and PTSD symptoms in 30 adolescents with PTSD (mean age: 15.7 ± 1.04 years) and 21 HCs (mean age: 16.2 ± 1.21 years) at baseline. We collected repeated measures in 21 participants with PTSD following treatment; 9 participants dropped out. Hippocampal volume and RSFC from hippocampal and default mode network (DMN) seeds were compared between participants with PTSD and HCs. We examined associations between within-subject changes in RSFC and PTSD symptoms following treatment. ResultsNo hippocampal volumetric differences between groups were found. Compared to HCs, adolescents with recent PTSD had reduced RSFC between hippocampus and the lateral parietal node of the DMN, encompassing the angular gyrus, peak coordinates: −38, −54, 16; 116 voxels; peak F1,47 = 31.76; FDR corrected p = 0.038. Improvements in PTSD symptoms were associated with increased RSFC between hippocampus and part of the lateral parietal node of the DMN, peak coordinates: −38, −84, 38; 316 voxels; peak F1,47 = 40.28; FDR corrected p < 0.001. ConclusionAdolescents with recent PTSD had reduced hippocampal-DMN RSFC, while no group differences in hippocampal volume were found, suggesting that hippocampal function, but not structure, is altered early in the course of PSTD. Following treatment, hippocampal-DMN RSFC increased with symptom improvement and may indicate an important neural mechanism related to successful PTSD treatment.

730 Prevalence and impact of sleep problems in active duty military personnel receiving Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

Abstract Introduction Sleep disturbances are common in active duty military personnel and play a key role in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research indicates that although insomnia and nightmares improve with successful PTSD treatment, they may remain clinically significant. Few previous PTSD studies have assessed sleep disorder constructs using validated instruments. The objectives of this study were to examine the proportion of active duty military personnel seeking treatment for PTSD who reported clinically significant insomnia, nightmares, sleep duration, and excessive daytime sleepiness and to examine the impact PTSD treatment had on these sleep constructs using validated self-report questionnaires. Methods Sleep was evaluated in 223 active duty service members participating in a randomized clinical trial comparing group and individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Sleep constructs were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey (TRNS), Self-Assessment of Sleep (SAS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at baseline and 2 weeks posttreatment. Results At baseline, 82% of participants reported clinically significant insomnia and 75% reported at least 1 moderately severe nightmare per week. Participants reported averaging 4.76 hours of sleep per night, and 65% reported excessive daytime sleepiness. Over the course of PTSD treatment, there were statistically significant improvements in insomnia, nightmares, and excessive daytime sleepiness, but scores remained in clinically significant ranges. Minimal increases were seen in sleep duration. Of the participants who no longer met criteria for PTSD at posttreatment, 50% continued to report clinically significant insomnia, 52% continued to report clinically significant nightmares, and 44% continued to report excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusion Consistent with previous research, sleep problems persisted for a significant number of service members who completed treatment for PTSD. Insomnia, nightmare, and sleep extension interventions are likely an important part of comprehensive PTSD treatment plans. Support (if any) Funding for this work was made possible by the U.S. Department of Defense through the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program awards W81XWH-08-02-109 (Alan Peterson), W81XWH-08-02-0116 (Patricia Resick), W81XWH-10-1-0828 (Daniel Taylor), and W81XWH-08-02-0114 (Brett Litz).

An integrated model of chronic trauma-induced insomnia.

Insomnia is the most commonly reported symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with at least 70% of patients with PTSD reporting disturbed sleep. Although posttraumatic insomnia has traditionally been conceptualized as a consequence of PTSD, it is the most likely symptom to not remit following otherwise successful PTSD treatment. This suggests that the relationship between PTSD and insomnia is more complex, such that they likely share underlying pathological mechanisms and that factors non-specific to PTSD maintain chronic trauma-induced insomnia. Although several theories and hypotheses have been presented to explain the relationship between PTSD and insomnia, neurobiological and psychological models have not been integrated, thereby limiting their comprehensiveness and abilities to inform effective intervention. Further, existing models have not addressed how acute trauma-induced insomnia becomes chronic. The present review examined models of PTSD and insomnia separately, as well as existing theorized mechanisms of their co-morbidity. The distinct characteristics of trauma-induced insomnia were also reviewed and presented to describe the unique clinical presentation of trauma-induced insomnia. Review and integration of the literature were used to propose an integrated model of chronic trauma-induced insomnia informed by a neuropsychobiological framework. Clinical implications and future research directions are presented and discussed.

1073 Sleep Disorders Contribute To Anger In Service Members With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract Introduction The emotion of anger and behavioral acts of aggression can lead to severe negative consequences, including family violence, legal charges, and death. Anger can be a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in service members. Service members report difficulties managing their anger and trouble with the subsequent results. Factors that differentiate service members with PTSD who have anger related problems from those who do not are still unknown. Impaired sleep is associated with negative mood states in the general population and may be a risk factor for anger in those with PTSD. This project examines how sleep disorders commonly diagnosed in service members (i.e., obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia) relate to PTSD and anger. Methods Ninety-three service members with comorbid PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares (mean age = 35.86 years, SD = 8.38, 27% female, 45% white) completed polysomnography and other measures as part of a clinical trial. A multiple regression model examined how total Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), AHI during REM sleep, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), age, and race related to PTSD symptoms (Clinical Administered PTSD Scale-5: CAPS-5). A second multiple regression model examined the same variables’ associations with anger (Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5; DAR-5). Results More than a third of the sample (37%) met criteria for OSA (AHI scores&amp;gt;5) and 99% met criteria for insomnia (ISI&amp;gt;10). Total AHI and REM AHI were not associated with CAPS-5 scores or ISI. Across OSA and PSG indices, only greater REM AHI (b=.07, p&amp;lt;.05) and Insomnia (b=.43, p&amp;lt;.05) were positively associated with DAR-5 anger scores. Total AHI was unrelated to anger. Conclusion Elevated REM AHI and insomnia were associated with greater anger in service members with PTSD. Current treatments for anger are only moderately effective. Assessing and treating comorbid sleep disorders may reduce anger and enhance successful PTSD treatment. Support Consortium to Alleviate PTSD (W81XWH-13-2-0065), DVA (I01CX001136-01), GDHS (W91YTZ-13-C-0015) for DVBIC.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)\xa0therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults with serious mental illness within forensic and rehabilitation services: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Forensic mental health services provide assessment and treatment of people with mental illness and a history of criminal offending, or those who are at risk of offending. Forensic mental health services include high, medium, and low-security inpatient settings as well as prison in-reach and community outpatient services. There is a high prevalence of PTSD in forensic settings and posttraumatic experiences can arise in people who violently offend in the context of serious mental illness (SMI). Successful treatment of PTSD may reduce the risk of relapse and improve clinical outcomes for this population. This study aims to assess the efficacy, risk of harm, and acceptability of EMDR within forensic and rehabilitation mental health services, as compared to treatment as usual (routine care).MethodsThis is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR therapy to the waiting list (routine care). Adult forensic mental health service users (n = 46) with SMI and meeting the criteria for PTSD will be included in the study. Participants will be randomized after baseline assessment to either treatment as usual plus waiting list for EMDR or to treatment as usual plus EMDR. The EMDR condition comprises nine sessions, around 60 min in length delivered weekly, the first of which is a case conceptualization session. The primary outcomes are clinician and participant-rated symptoms of PTSD, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes include psychotic symptoms, social functioning, level of disability, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, post-trauma cognitions, and broad domains of complex posttraumatic difficulties. A trained assessor blinded to the treatment condition will assess outcomes at baseline, 10 weeks, and 6 months. Additionally, grounded theory qualitative methods will be used to explore participant experience of EMDR for a subset of participants.DiscussionThis study will contribute to the currently limited evidence base for EMDR for PTSD in forensic settings. It is the first randomized clinical trial to assess the efficacy, risk of harm, and acceptability of EMDR for PTSD in people with SMI in either forensic, mental health inpatient, or custodial settings.Trial registrationAustralia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Network, ACTRN12618000683235. Registered prospectively on 24 April 2018.

Successful treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder reverses DNA methylation marks.

Epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the detrimental effects of traumatic stress and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is unknown whether successful treatment of PTSD restores these epigenetic marks. This study investigated longitudinal changes of blood-based genome-wide DNA methylation levels in relation to trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD in soldiers that obtained remission (N = 21), non-remitted PTSD patients (N = 23), and trauma-exposed military controls (N = 23). In an independent prospective cohort, we then examined whether these DMRs were also relevant for the development of deployment-related PTSD (N = 85). Successful treatment of PTSD was accompanied by significant changes in DNA methylation at 12 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the genes: APOB, MUC4, EDN2, ZFP57, GPX6, CFAP45, AFF3, TP73, UBCLP1, RPL13P, and two intergenic regions (p values < 0.0001 were confirmed using permutation and sensitivity analyses). Of the 12 DMRs related to PTSD symptom reduction, consistent prospective evidence was found for ZFP57 methylation changes related to changing PTSD symptoms (B = -0.84, t = -2.49, p = 0.014). Increasing ZFP57 methylation related to PTSD symptom reduction was present over and above the relation with symptoms, suggesting that psychological treatments exert biological effects independent of symptom reduction. Together, these data provide longitudinal evidence that ZFP57 methylation is involved in both the development and successful treatment of deployment-related PTSD. This study is a first step to disentangle the interaction between psychological and biological systems to identify genomic regions relevant for the etiology and treatment of stress-related disorders such as PTSD.

Sexual Desire among Veterans Receiving Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Does Successful PTSD Treatment Also Yield Improvements in Sexual Desire?

Objective: People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly report difficulties with sexual desire and other aspects of sexual functioning, but it is currently unknown if people who respond to psychotherapy for PTSD also report improvements in sexual desire. Method: One hundred and eighty-seven veterans with PTSD received prolonged exposure (PE) therapy at two outpatient PTSD specialty clinics and completed measures of PTSD symptoms (the PTSD Checklist – Military Version) and sexual desire (item 21 of the Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition) repeatedly throughout the course of treatment. Results: The results of a conditional generalized mixed ordinal regression model showed a significant interaction between weeks in treatment and PTSD treatment response in predicting change in sexual desire across the course of treatment. Specifically, PTSD treatment responders reported improvement in sexual desire over the course of treatment, whereas nonresponders did not show changes in sexual desire over time. However, the effect of PTSD treatment response was no longer significant when accounting for severity of depression at the start of treatment. Participants reporting more severe depression at the start of treatment reported less improvement in sexual desire, regardless of PTSD symptom response. Conclusions: People with PTSD who respond to PE also report improvements in sexual desire over time, indicating that response to PE is associated with improved sexual desire, but the effect is complicated by the presence of co-occurring depression symptomatology.

Evaluation of an Integrative Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Program.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat-related stress can be refractory, pervasive, and have a devastating impact on those affected, their families, and society at large. Challenges dealing with symptoms may in turn make a servicemember more susceptible to problems, including alcohol abuse, interpersonal conflict, and occupational problems. An effective treatment strategy will address multifactorial issues by using a holistic multimodal approach. Back on Track is an intensive outpatient program utilizing a holistic philosophy and multimodal treatments to provide a whole systems approach for the treatment of combat-related stress reactions and PTSD in active duty servicemembers. An explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods program evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a PTSD and combat stress treatment program. Quantitative outcomes were collected and analyzed on 595 participants at pre- and postinterventions and 6-week follow-up and qualitative data were gathered through participant interviews. The manualized program uses a multimodal, psychoeducational group therapy format with a holistic approach for treating combat stress, increasing resiliency, and assisting with reintegration. Rotating providers visit from other programs and services to deliver content in bio-psycho-social-spiritual domains, including didactic lectures on mindfulness and the relaxation response and daily sessions of yoga nidra and meditation. The primary outcome measure was PTSD symptom severity assessed with the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M). Secondary outcomes included self-efficacy, knowledge, use, and satisfaction. Quantitative data were contextualized with interview data. Results demonstrated a highly statistically significant effect of the program when comparing within-subject PCL-M scores before and after program participation, signed rank S (N = 595) = -47,367, p < 0.001. This translates to a moderate effect size, Cohen's d (N = 595) = -0.55, 95% confidence interval = -0.62 to -0.47, and a mean decrease of 7 points on the PCL-M at postintervention, demonstrating response to treatment. There were significant increases in knowledge and self-efficacy and high levels of satisfaction with the program overall, content, materials, and delivery. The treatment program has served ∼800 servicemembers since inception and has since expanded to five installations. The provision of whole systems care where the approach is holistic, multimodal, and multidisciplinary may be a way forward for the successful treatment of PTSD and other debilitating behavioral health conditions in military contexts and beyond.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 20% of US military veterans and is a major cause of mortality in these men and women. The incidence of PTSD has persisted over the last decade with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, yet treatment and adherence remain inadequate in part due to clinician lack of knowledge about cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure, the proven gold standards in treatment. This article reviews the most current and successful PTSD treatment options and identifies risk factors for patient nonadherence in hopes of reducing the rate of veteran suicide related to PTSD.

Epigenetic Effects of PTSD Remediation in Veterans Using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

To assess the feasibility of measuring changes in gene expression associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment using emotional freedom techniques (EFT). Participants were randomized into an EFT group receiving EFT and treatment as usual (TAU) throughout a 10-week intervention period and a group receiving only TAU during the intervention period and then receiving EFT. A community clinic and a research institute in California. Sixteen veterans with clinical levels of PTSD symptoms. Ten hour-long sessions of EFT. Messenger RNA levels for a focused panel of 93 genes related to PTSD. The Symptom Assessment 45 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Insomnia Severity Scale, SF-12v2 for physical impairments, and Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire. Pre-, posttreatment, and follow-up mean scores on questionnaires were assessed using repeated measures 1-way analysis of variance. A Student t test and post hoc analyses were performed on gene expression data. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms declined significantly in the EFT group (-53%, P < .0001). Participants maintained their gains on follow-up. Significant differential expression of 6 genes was found ( P < .05) when comparing the expression levels before and after the intervention period in participants receiving EFT. Study results identify candidate gene expression correlates of successful PTSD treatment, providing guidelines for the design of further studies aimed at exploring the epigenetic effects of EFT.

Neurocognitive Correlates of Successful Treatment of PTSD in Female Veterans.

The influence of psychotherapy on neurocognition in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has not been examined methodically. This is despite evidence that pre-treatment learning and memory has been associated with treatment success and that executive function theories emphasize weak executive functions (especially inhibition/switching) are associated with PTSD. To determine (1) if higher pre-treatment learning/memory, inhibition/switching, or both predict treatment success; and (2) if treatment success is associated with specific improvement in inhibition/switching and not learning/memory or working memory, another aspect of executive function. Pre-treatment neurocognition and neurocognitive changes (inhibition/switching, learning/memory, working memory) were examined in female veterans with PTSD. They were evaluated before and after 16-weeks of group psychotherapy for PTSD that included three counterbalanced modules (cognitive restructuring therapy, exposure therapy, skills training) with fidelity checks for therapist adherence. Only pre-treatment learning/memory predicted better treatment outcome. Treatment success was associated with improvement in inhibition/switching only, even after controlling for mild traumatic brain injury, and changes in depressive symptoms, working memory, and learning/memory. Our finding that learning/memory predicted treatment success is consistent with previous studies. We extended these studies by showing that the effect was restricted to learning/memory, which is contrary to the executive function theory of PTSD. In contrast, the fact that only inhibition/switching significantly improved with better treatment success is consistent with its potential importance in maintaining PTSD symptoms. Future research should determine whether inhibition/switching abilities are a risk for development and maintenance of PTSD or whether such abilities have a broader reciprocal relationship with PTSD symptom change. (JINS, 2016, 22, 643-651).

Circulation : Clinical Summaries

<i>Circulation</i> : Clinical Summaries

Smaller hippocampal volume as a vulnerability factor for the persistence of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Smaller hippocampal volume has often been observed in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is no consensus whether this is a result of stress/trauma exposure, or constitutes a vulnerability factor for the development of PTSD. Second, it is unclear whether hippocampal volume normalizes with successful treatment of PTSD, or whether a smaller hippocampus is a risk factor for the persistence of PTSD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and clinical interviews were collected from 47 war veterans with PTSD, 25 healthy war veterans (combat controls) and 25 healthy non-military controls. All veterans were scanned a second time with a 6- to 8-month interval, during which PTSD patients received trauma-focused therapy. Based on post-treatment PTSD symptoms, patients were divided into a PTSD group who was in remission (n = 22) and a group in whom PTSD symptoms persisted (n = 22). MRI data were analysed with Freesurfer. Smaller left hippocampal volume was observed in PTSD patients compared with both control groups. Hippocampal volume of the combat controls did not differ from healthy controls. Second, pre- and post-treatment analyses of the PTSD patients and combat controls revealed reduced (left) hippocampal volume only in the persistent patients at both time points. Importantly, hippocampal volume did not change with treatment. Our findings suggest that a smaller (left) hippocampus is not the result of stress/trauma exposure. Furthermore, hippocampal volume does not increase with successful treatment. Instead, we demonstrate for the first time that a smaller (left) hippocampus constitutes a risk factor for the persistence of PTSD.

The impact of PTSD treatment on the cortisol awakening response.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with abnormal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; however, limited research has examined whether cortisol levels change following successful PTSD treatment. The current study examined the impact of successful PTSD treatment on the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Twenty-nine adults participating in a treatment trial for chronic PTSD provided saliva samples (upon waking, and 30-, 45-, and 60 min postwaking) before and after receiving either prolonged exposure therapy or sertraline. PTSD responder status (i.e., loss or retention of a PTSD diagnosis) served as the predictor variable. Outcome measures included area under the curve with respect to ground and increase, reflecting total cortisol output and HPA axis reactivity, respectively. A series of hierarchical regressions revealed no significant main effects of PTSD responder status for either CAR outcome. However, a significant gender by treatment response interaction for cortisol reactivity revealed that female treatment nonresponders displayed higher cortisol reactivity following treatment than female responders, whereas cortisol reactivity did not change pre- to posttreatment for male responders. Findings remained after controlling for age, trauma history, baseline medication status, baseline PTSD, and baseline depressive symptoms. Loss of a PTSD diagnosis may contribute to decreased cortisol reactivity in females. Neuroendocrine changes following treatment may emerge only for specific subgroups, highlighting the importance of exploring treatment moderators.

TBI symptoms improve after PTSD remediation with emotional freedom techniques.

A group of 59 veterans with clinical levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms received emotional freedom techniques (EFT) coaching in a randomized controlled trial. A significant percentage dropped below the clinical threshold after 6 sessions of EFT (86%, p .0001) and remained subclinical at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and somatoform symptoms isolated from the data set for detailed analysis are presented in the current paper. Compared with pretest, significant reductions in TBI symptoms were found after 3 sessions, with a further reduction after 6 months (41%, p .0021). Participant gains were maintained on 3-month and 6-month follow-ups (p .0006). These results point to the poorly defined distinction between TBI and PTSD symptoms, the potential for partial TBI rehabilitation as a sequel to successful PTSD treatment, and the possibility of long-term maintenance of clinical gains.

Toward Rational Pharmacotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Reprise

Toward Rational Pharmacotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Reprise