A window into the invisible wound of war: functional neuroimaging of REM sleep in returning combat veterans with PTSD

Psychiatry Res. 2013 Feb 28;211(2):176-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2012.05.007. Epub 2012 Nov 11.

Abstract

Relative regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness was explored in combat veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD, using positron emission tomography. Hypermetabolism in brain regions involved in arousal regulation, fear responses, and reward processing persist during REM sleep in combat veterans with PTSD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Afghan Campaign 2001-
  • Cerebral Cortex / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Functional Neuroimaging*
  • Humans
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sleep, REM / physiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnostic imaging
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / metabolism
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / physiopathology*
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • Wakefulness / physiology