People with post-traumatic stress disorder have an imbalance in brain connectivity. The different connections between brain areas are altered, which generates symptoms ranging from insomnia to eating disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress can disappear or become chronic
- It leads to a deregulation of the functions of different brain areas
- The most effective treatment is psychotherapy
5 to 12% of the population suffers from post-traumatic stress, and certain categories of people are particularly affected, such as the military. Close to a quarter of those having served in a field of war is affected. This disorder can disappear in a few months, or persist and become chronic. Generally, it generates a state of chronic stress, sleep disorders and even eating disorders. In the United States, a research center is particularly interested in this disorder among soldiers. In a study published in Journal of Neuroimagingits members explain what are its manifestations in the brain and present a treatment track.
Each brain area has its own function
Thanks to MRIs, the researchers observed the connectivity of brain networks. In particular, they studied the lateralization of the brain: the term refers to the distribution of functions between the different areas of the brain. For example, the parasympathetic nervous system, which has the role of slowing down the organism, is rather managed by the left part of the brain and the sympathetic nervous system, associated with functions such as breathing, is managed by the right part. In the case of post-traumatic stress, the researchers note that this distribution of functions between the different brain areas is deregulated. However, they recall thatwhen the connections between the hemispheres are balanced, individuals are healthier“.
How to reorganize cerebral connections?
The study was taken further: the team studied the effects of a scientific technique on the brains of people suffering from post-traumatic stress. This is the Cereset: the patient is installed in an armchair, headset on the ears and he receives tones similar to those emitted by the brain. “It helps the brain to relax, modify and reset to improve symmetry and balance, which is associated with reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms.“, point out the researchers. The benefits of this method lasted up to six months after the study.
Psychotherapy is essential
One of the mainstays of post-traumatic stress management is psychotherapy. As reminded Insermhis goal is to “limit mental and behavioral avoidance that prevents the traumatic memory from being integrated and treat as a habitual memory“. To act on the symptoms, medication may be prescribed: antidepressants, anxiolytics or sedatives. The Research Institute estimates that one in five patients is at risk of relapse after treatment.
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