Traumatic stress alters neural reactivity to visual stimulation
Nathaniel Harnett1, Grace Rowland1, E Kate Webb1
1McLean Hospital.
Research Square
|February 24, 2025
Summary
Trauma exposure alters basic visual processing neural function. This visual circuit dysfunction may be linked to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Traumatic stress is a known precursor to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Emerging research suggests visual processing regions may play a role in PTSD development.
- Previous studies have not examined trauma exposure's effects on neural reactivity to non-affective visual stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of recent trauma exposure on neural reactivity to basic visual stimulation.
- To explore the relationship between visual processing alterations and the development of PTSD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess neural activity in trauma-exposed (TE) and non-trauma-exposed (NTE) individuals.
- Participants viewed alternating blocks of flickering checkerboard stimuli and rest.
- PTSD symptoms were assessed at two time points post-trauma.
Main Results:
- Trauma-exposed individuals exhibited greater deactivation in the visual cortex compared to controls.
- Non-trauma-exposed individuals showed increased neural reactivity in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex during visual stimulation.
- Visual cortex to paracentral gyrus connectivity during stimulation was higher in NTE participants.
- Neural reactivity to visual stimuli was negatively associated with PTSD symptom severity in the trauma-exposed group.
Conclusions:
- Trauma exposure leads to acute changes in the neural function of basic visual processing.
- Alterations in visual circuit function following trauma may influence PTSD development and symptom expression.
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