Variations in response to trauma and hippocampal subfield changes

Models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that the hippocampus is key to persistence traumatic memory. Yet very little known about precise changes take place in this structure, nor their relation with PTSD symptoms. Previous studies have mostly used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at low resolutions, making it impossible identify sensitive anatomical landmarks, or compared groups often unequally matched terms exposure. The present cross-sectional study included 92 individuals who had all been exposed terrorist attacks Paris on November 13, 2015 (53 whom subsequently developed PTSD) and 56 not exposed. Hippocampal subfield volumes were estimated using cross-validated automatic segmentation high-resolution MRI images. Results revealed CA1 CA2-3/dentate gyrus (DG) PTSD, but resilient (i.e., without individuals, after controlling for potential nuisance variables such as previous exposure substance abuse. In line current models hippocampal functions, linked uncontrollable re-experiencing intrusive memories, while CA2-3/DG changes, potentially exacerbated by comorbid depression, fostered overgeneralization fear avoidance hypervigilance behaviors. Additional analyses integrity was optimum functioning memory control network individuals. These findings shed new light pathophysiological mechanisms subtending development failure recover from trauma.