Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
An in vivo assessment of physiological arousal in posttraumatic stress disorder
R J Gerardi1, T M Keane, B J Cahoon
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02130.
Abstract:
The present study measured physiological function (heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], sublingual temperature, and respiration rate) in a nonresearch setting--the medical triage area of a large Veterans Affairs Medical Center while patients were awaiting physical examination. Subjects were 32 Vietnam veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 26 Vietnam-era veterans with no combat experience. Results indicated that PTSD veterans had significantly higher HR, SBP, and DBP, but not sublingual temperature or respiration rate. These data support the position that individuals with PTSD do indeed demonstrate higher levels of cardiovascular arousal across settings.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychological Responses to Stress

