Neuroimaging Studies of Emotional Responses in PTSD
ISRAEL LIBERZON,
BRIAN MARTIS,
ISRAEL LIBERZON
Trauma Stress and Anxiety Research Group, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0118, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBRIAN MARTIS
Trauma Stress and Anxiety Research Group, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0118, USA
Search for more papers by this authorISRAEL LIBERZON,
BRIAN MARTIS,
ISRAEL LIBERZON
Trauma Stress and Anxiety Research Group, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0118, USA
Search for more papers by this authorBRIAN MARTIS
Trauma Stress and Anxiety Research Group, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0118, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAddress for correspondence: Israel Liberzon, M.D., Trauma Stress and Anxiety Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive UH9D 0118, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0118. Voice: 734-764-9527; fax: 734-936-7868. e-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Abstract: Neuroimaging research offers a powerful and noninvasive means to understand healthy as well as dysregulated emotional processing in healthy subjects and PTSD patients. Functional neuroimaging findings suggest specific roles for subregions of the medial prefrontal (mPFC), orbito frontal (OFC), anterior cingulate (ACC), and insular cortices as well as the sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEA) and hippocampus in various components of emotional processing. Some of the same regions appear to be associated with emotional response to trauma, and with symptom formation in PTSD. Neuroimaging findings of emotional processing in healthy subjects and PTSD patients are discussed, addressing the specific roles of cortical regions like mPFC, ACC, and insula, and their potential contribution to PTSD pathophysiology. Processes of cognitive–emotional interactions and social emotions are discussed in an attempt to synthesize the prefrontal findings in healthy subjects and PTSD patients. Further links between functional neuroanatomy of emotional responses and neuroendocrine stress regulation are proposed.
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