Experimental Neurobiology  2016;25(6):277-295

doi:10.5607/en.2016.25.6.277

Molecular Neuroimaging in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Jooyeon Jamie IM 1 ; Eun NAMGUNG ; Yejee CHOI ; Jung Yoon KIM ; Sandy Jeong RHIE ; Sujung YOON

Affiliations

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Keywords

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Molecular neuroimaging; Positron emission tomography (PET); Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT); Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Over the past decade, an increasing number of neuroimaging studies have provided insight into the neurobiological mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). In particular, molecular neuroimaging techniques have been employed in examining metabolic and neurochemical processes in PTSD. This article reviews molecular neuroimaging studies in PTSD and focuses on findings using three imaging modalities including positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Although there were some inconsistences in the findings, patients with PTSD showed altered cerebral metabolism and perfusion, receptor bindings, and metabolite profiles in the limbic regions, medial prefrontal cortex, and temporal cortex. Studies that have investigated brain correlates of treatment response are also reviewed. Lastly, the limitations of the molecular neuroimaging studies and potential future research directions are discussed.