Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Neural Correlates And...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Neural Correlates and Biomarkers Author: Mirriam Mikhail Student ID: 998991989 Institution: University of Toronto Scarborough Word Count: Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder was officially classified approximately three decades ago. Considering its relatively recent discovery, the complete etiology and optimal biological therapies are yet to be elucidated. This review examines the neural correlates and biomarkers of PTSD along with biological therapy options. Studies revealed that hypoactivation of the ACC and hyperactivation of the amygdala are consistent with PTSD, suggesting that the prefrontal cortex may be increasingly unable to regulate the emotional processes of the amygdala.†¦show more content†¦These symptoms, sometimes referred to as ‘soldier’s heart’ were only defined as a disorder in 1980, when it was officially terms posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychological condition that occurs following traumatic experiences that pose a real or apparent threat to life. The person may re-experience the trauma, avoid associated stimuli and be in a state of hyperarousa l (Admon, Milad Hendler, 2013). Considering that the condition was more recently classified, the etiology and optimal treatment of the disease have yet to be completely verified. However, considering that approximately half of the population will be exposed to a traumatic event within their lifetime, it is imperative that we appreciate the understanding and treatment of the disorder (Admon et al., 2013). There is a broad variability of data that implicates a variety of brain regions in the disorder. Recently, several biomarkers have been discovered concordant with the manifestation of the disorder. The purpose of this review is to focus on the neural correlates and biomarkers of PTSD and their use in facilitating interventional therapy. It will consider findings related to peripheral markers such as cortisol and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and various neural pathways that may lead to the presentation of the disorder. A critical analysis of these recent findings will elucidate and aid