Evaluating the Contribution of EEG Power Profiles to Characterize and Discriminate Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Factors in a Combat-Exposed Population
Abstract
This study investigated the use of resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) data to help differentiate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom factors. The sample, 147 combat-exposed OIF/OEF (Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom) Veterans and service members, was a polytrauma population with variable PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) diagnoses. Participants completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL) and resting-state EEG was assessed for 10 minutes, with eyes closed. Regional averages of absolute power in alpha, beta, delta, and theta frequency bands were computed to estimate a single EEG common factor per band. An oblique 4 common-factor model was then fit to the 17 PCL items that included a residual EEG factor as an exogenous predictor with the group mean effect of mTBI on the EEG factor removed. Separate comparative model testing sequences for the alpha, beta, delta, and theta EEG factor frequency bands were conducted. An inverse relationship of delta and theta frequency bands on avoidance and numbing symptom factors (but not re-experiencing and hyperarousal) was found. Results provide evidence for possible neurobiological basis for the 4 PTSD symptom factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1177/1550059418767583
Entities
People
- Ananda B. Amstadter
- Christina M Sheerin
- Laura M. Franke
- Steven H. Aggen
- William C. Walker
Organizations
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Virginia Commonwealth University