The Effects of Explosive Blast as Compared to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Brain Function and Structure

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to better characterize and differentiate the effects of combat stress and explosive blast on the brain. To achieve this goal, we have been collecting extensive data on neural structure and functioning, including information on emotional health via clinical interviews and self-report measures, as well as information on brain structure and functioning via physiological measures and MRI data. Thus far, we have performed preliminary phone screens on several dozen individuals. We have consented and begun to study about half this number as participants. We have completed all study procedures with three participants. We have not yet analyzed our data because we are in the preliminary stages of data collection, but because the clinical presentations of individuals with psychological trauma symptoms (e.g., PTSD) and individuals with brain injuries are often very similar, the results of this study should add to clinicians' understanding of how to better diagnose and treat these different conditions. 15.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA549836

Entities

People

  • Scott R Sponheim

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Brain Injuries
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Explosives
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Iraqi-War
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Medical Personnel
  • Relational Databases
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Oncology and Biomarker-Based Cancer Detection.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.