Torture Exposure Modulates Cognitive Control and Attention Neural Network Connectivity During a Go/NoGo Task

Torture trauma is characterized by intentional uncontrollable acts, but the long-term effects of torture exposure on cognitive control brain mechanisms are unknown.

A final sample of 33 torture survivors (TSs) and 44 non-TSs, all with a refugee background, completed a Go/NoGo response inhibition task during functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Data-driven independent component analysis identified active networks across the task and on Go, NoGo, and error of commission trials. Groups were compared on within-/between-network connectivity while controlling for demographic and psychological symptom covariates. Secondary analyses investigated whether network connectivity moderated the associations between torture exposure and severity on fear (e.g., re-experiencing) and dysphoria (e.g., anhedonia) posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

The TS group exhibited decreased connectivity (compared with the non-TS control group) within the posterior default mode network (specifically the left precuneus) and auditory-motor network (specifically the right superior temporal gyrus) and reduced connectivity between the dorsomedial frontal network and dorsal attention network across the Go/NoGo task. The TS group also showed more negative ventral attention network connectivity during NoGo (i.e., inhibition) trials. No behavioral effects were observed. Secondary analyses revealed that the association between torture exposure and elevated posttraumatic stress dysphoria (not fear) symptoms was moderated by reduced connectivity in the right superior temporal gyrus and between the dorsomedial frontal network and the dorsal attention network.

Response inhibition, attention, and motor networks appear to be less connected in TSs, which may be specifically linked to a posttraumatic stress dysphoria symptom profile. The findings suggest that targeting cognitive control processes may hold promise for alleviating posttraumatic symptoms among survivors of torture.