Document Type
Article
Keywords
Amygdala, Default mode network, fMRI, Insula, PTSD, Trauma
Abstract
Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by distinct behavioral and physiological changes. Given the significant impairments related to PTSD, examination of the biological underpinnings is crucial to the development of theoretical models and improved treatments of PTSD. Methods: We used an attentional interference task using emotional distracters to test for top-down versus bottom-up dysfunction in the interaction of cognitive-control circuitry and emotion-processing circuitry. A total of 32 women with PTSD (based on an interpersonal trauma) and 21 matched controls were tested. Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging was carried out as participants directly attended to, or attempted to ignore, fear-related stimuli. Results: Compared to controls, patients with PTSD showed hyperactivity in several brain regions, including the amygdala, insula, as well as dorsal lateral and ventral PFC regions. Conclusions: These results are consistent with previous studies that have higher amygdala and insular activation in PTSD subjects. However, inhibition of suppression of PFC regions is inconsistent with the fear circuitry model hypothesized by prior research. We suggest that the specific emotional conflict task used appears to target implicit or automatic emotional regulation instead of explicit or effortful emotional regulation. This is particularly relevant as it posited that emotional regulatory difficulties in anxiety disorders such as PTSD appear to occur in implicit forms of emotion regulation. © 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Volume
2
Issue
1
First Page
National Institute of Mental Health
DOI
10.1016/j.nicl.2012.11.003
Recommended Citation
Bruce, Steven E.; Buchholz, Katherine R.; Brown, Wilson J.; Yan, Laura; Durbin, Anthony; and Sheline, Yvette I., "Altered emotional interference processing in the amygdala and insula in women with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" (2013). Psychology Faculty Works. 127.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2012.11.003
Available at:
https://irl.umsl.edu/psychology-faculty/127
Repository URL
https://irl.umsl.edu/psychology-faculty/127
