Brain dynamics reflecting an intra-network brain state is associated with increased posttraumatic stress symptoms in the early aftermath of trauma.
Recommended Citation
Sendi MSE, Fu Z, Harnett NG, van Rooij SJH, Vergara V, Pizzagalli DA, Daskalakis NP, House SL, Beaudoin FL, An X, Neylan TC, Clifford GD, Jovanovic T, Linnstaedt SD, Germine LT, Bollen KA, Rauch SL, Haran JP, Storrow AB, Lewandowski C, Musey PI, Hendry PL, Sheikh S, Jones CW, Punches BE, Swor RA, Gentile NT, Murty VP, Hudak LA, Pascual JL, Seamon MJ, Harris E, Chang AM, Pearson C, Peak DA, Merchant RC, Domeier RM, Rathlev NK, O’Neil BJ, Sergot P, Sanchez LD, Bruce SE, Sheridan JF, Harte SE, Kessler RC, Koenen KC, McLean SA, Stevens JS, Calhoun VD, and Ressler KJ. Brain dynamics reflecting an intra-network brain state are associated with increased post-traumatic stress symptoms in the early aftermath of trauma. Nature Mental Health 2025;3(2):185-198.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-20-2025
Publication Title
Nature Mental Health
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress (PTS) encompasses a range of psychological responses following trauma, which may lead to more severe outcomes such as post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD). Identifying early neuroimaging biomarkers that link brain function to PTS outcomes is critical for understanding PTSD risk. This longitudinal study examines the association between brain dynamic functional network connectivity and current/future PTS symptom severity, and the impact of sex on this relationship. By analyzing 275 participants’ dynamic functional network connectivity data obtained ~2 weeks after trauma exposure, we noted that brain dynamics of an inter-network brain state link negatively with current (r = −0.197, P corrected = 0.0079) and future (r = –0.176, Pcorrected = 0.0176) PTS symptom severity. In addition, dynamics of an intra-network brain state correlated with future symptom intensity (r = 0.205, P corrected = 0.0079). We additionally observed that the association between the network dynamics of the inter-network and intra-network brain state with symptom severity is more pronounced in the female group. Our findings highlight a potential link between brain network dynamics in the aftermath of trauma with current and future PTSD outcomes, with a stronger effect in the female group, underscoring the importance of sex differences.
Volume
3
Issue
2
First Page
185
Last Page
198
