Functional Neuroimaging Research in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

摘要: Neuroimaging research in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is only two decades old, but rapidly expanding and evolving methodological sophistication (Pitman et al. 2001; Hull 2002; Liberzon Phan 2003). Earlier structural symptom-provocation studies are giving way to hypothesis-driven cognitive activation studies, longitudinal treatment translationally driven integrative studies. The focused review of functional neuroimaging PTSD that follows discusses findings better understand the neuroanatomy underlying symptoms pathophysiology. We begin with a selective on emotions specifically relevant PTSD. ensuing discussion links bodies literature order provide understanding processing threat-related how this informs our brain mechanisms subserve characterized by exposure life-threatening event/s associated intense emotional reactions. Symptom clusters consist reexperiencing trauma (such as nightmares intrusive memories), avoidance numbing (avoiding trauma-related cues, feeling emotionally distant from loved ones), hyperarousal (hypervigilance, sleep disturbances) (American Psychiatric Association 2000). Because these criteria descriptive, atheoretical, not confined specific diagnosis, it possible patients different neurobiological subtypes will share same diagnosis or similar abnormalities may cross descriptive categorical boundaries. Neurobiological evidence does offer potential identify and/or PTSD's pathophysiology, thereby helping differentiate, define, treat disorders more meaningful way. One powerful, noninvasive means investigating function use relatively new methods such magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) positron emission tomography (PET). MRI methodology relies spin properties protons human tissue outline structures estimate