Psychophysiological characteristics of pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder during script-driven traumatic imagery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Psychophysiological alterations such as elevated baseline levels and hyperresponsivity in cardiac, electrodermal, and facial muscle activity have been observed in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are only few, inconclusive studies investigating psychophysiological responses in children and adolescents with PTSD.

Objective

This cross-sectional study sought to examine if autonomic variables, facial electromyography (EMG), and self-reported anxiety at baseline, while listening to neutral and idiosyncratic trauma scripts, differ between minors with a trauma history and PTSD, and a traumatized control (TC) group without PTSD. A better understanding of psychophysiological reactions in trauma-exposed children and adolescents could improve different

SUBMITTER: Kirsch V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4320135 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature