Brain dynamics reflecting an intra-network brain state is associated with increased posttraumatic stress symptoms in the early aftermath of trauma
Author Department
Emergency Medicine
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
2-2025
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 (dFNC) and current/future PTS symptom severity, and the impact of sex on this relationship. By analyzing 275 participants' dFNC 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, p corrected = 0.0176) PTS symptom severity. Also, 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 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 female group, underscoring the importance of sex differences.
Recommended Citation
Sendi MS, 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 Jr, 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, Ressler KJ. Brain dynamics reflecting an intra-network brain state is associated with increased posttraumatic stress symptoms in the early aftermath of trauma. Nat Ment Health. 2025 Feb;3(2):185-198. doi: 10.1038/s44220-024-00377-0. Epub 2025 Jan 20.
PMID
41181354