336. Autonomic Nervous System Coordination Alters PTSD Risk Following Childhood Maltreatment

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often exhibit dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), characterized by heightened sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity or reduced parasympathetic nervous system activity (PNS), which may contribute to the hyperarousal and hypervigilance symptoms commonly observed in PTSD. Additionally, altered ANS functioning has been associated with the severity and persistence of PTSD symptoms. However, most studies have included only one measure of the ANS (i.e., SNS or PNS) without attention to the role of ANS coordination.

Source: Biological Psychiatry - April 29, 2024 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Meredith Gruhn, Rachel Siciliano, Allegra Anderson, Allison Vreeland, Lauren Henry, Kelly Watson, Jon Ebert, Tarah Kuhn, Bruce Compas Source Type: research