Scanning the brain for PTSD
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Researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center have found a biological marker in the brains of people with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that often affects soldiers after combat but can afflict anyone who has been exposed to a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, recurring nightmares, anger or hyper vigilance.
The U of M-VA study -- which was published today -- marks the first time PTSD has been diagnosed using magnetoencephalography, or MEG, which measures magnetic fields in the brain. A group of 74 U.S. veterans were involved in the research.
Brian Engdahl is one of the researchers. He works at the Brain Sciences Center at the Minneapolis VA and the U of M and he talked with All Things Considered about the implications of the study and PTSD diagnosis and treatment.
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