Amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampal function in PTSD.

Full Abstract

The last decade of neuroimaging research has yielded important information concerning the structure, neurochemistry, and function of the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Neuroimaging research reviewed in this article reveals heightened amygdala responsivity in PTSD during symptomatic states and during the processing of trauma-unrelated affective information. Importantly, amygdala responsivity is positively associated with symptom severity in PTSD. In contrast, medial prefrontal cortex appears to be volumetrically smaller and is hyporesponsive during symptomatic states and the performance of emotional cognitive tasks in PTSD. Medial prefrontal cortex responsivity is inversely associated with PTSD symptom severity. Lastly, the reviewed research suggests diminished volumes, neuronal integrity, and functional integrity of the hippocampus in PTSD. Remaining research questions and related future directions are presented.

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Author information

Author/s: Shin, Lisa M (LM); Rauch, Scott L (SL); Pitman, Roger K (RK);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Tufts University, 490 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA. lisa.shin(-atsign-)tufts.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Ann N Y Acad Sci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 1071 (issue ) : pp 67-79

Dates: Created 2006/08/07; Completed 2006/09/20;

PMID: 16891563, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Amygdala - pathology; physiopathology
Hippocampus - pathology; physiopathology
Humans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Prefrontal Cortex - pathology; physiopathology
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - pathology; physiopathology

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