Describe key differences in the amygdala and the hippocampus between those with PTSD and those without the disorder. How might these differences relate to the signs and symptoms of the disorder?
What will be an ideal response?
Ans: In individuals with PTSD, the hippocampus is smaller than in those without disorder, whereas the amygdala is hyperresponsive, perhaps because of a lack of inhibition from frontal areas of the cortex. The hippocampus is important in encoding the memories of traumatic experiences. Perhaps the smaller hippocampus in individuals with PTSD relates to the intrusiveness of traumatic memories seen in the disorder. The amygdala is involved in the assessment of threat and the conditioning of fear. The hyperresponsive amygdala seen in those with PTSD may help explain the exaggerated fear response characteristic of the disorder.
Learning Objective: 7.4 Describe the characteristics of PTSD and other DSM-5 stress disorders, causes, and treatment.
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