Autonomic activity, posttraumatic and nontraumatic nightmares, and PTSD after trauma exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nightmares are a hallmark symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This strong association may reflect a shared pathophysiology in the form of altered autonomic activity and increased reactivity. Using an acoustic startle paradigm, we investigated the interrelationships of psychophysiological measures during wakefulness and PTSD diagnosis, posttraumatic nightmares, and nontraumatic nightmares.

Methods

A community sample of 122 trauma survivors were presented with a series of brief loud tones, while heart rate (HRR), skin conductance (SCR), and orbicularis oculi electromyogram (EMGR) responses were measured. Prior to the tone presentations, resting heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed. Nightmares were measured using nightmare logs. Three dichotomous gr

SUBMITTER: Mader T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9121310 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature