The Neurobiological Basis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. PTSD is characterized by a spectrum of psycho-emotional and neurophysiological effects, such as re-experiencing the trauma in the form of vivid intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. These experiences often are followed by overwhelming fear and strong physical sensations. Neuroimaging studies in patients with PTSD as well as experimental studies show alterations in brain areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex as well as in neurochemical stress response systems. Additionally, it is believed that the main neurochemical features of PTSD include abnormal regulation of catecholamines, monoamines, and opioid neurotransmitters among others, each of which is found in brain circuits that regulate/integrate stress and fear responses. This chapter will provide an overview on the recent pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of PTSD.