engleski

Neurobiological and clinical consequences of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Thirty-two male patients, mean age 34.1+- 7.1, Croatian soldiers from the 1991/92 war, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed on the basis of psychiatric examinations and use of graduation scales DSM III and LASC-01, were included in the study. In order to identify possible organic disorders, the patients were submitted to neuropsychological testing, laboratory testing, hemodynamic testing of cerebral hemodynamics by the method of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD), and analysis of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease related to unhealthy lifestyle. Neuropsychological examination showed mental deterioration which surpasses the allowable level in 21, impaired memory at 19 patients, significant mnestic control disorders in 30, and confabulation at 15 patients, while other tests pointed to an organic basis of the mental abnormalities observed (attention, visuomotor co-ordination). Laboratory analysis pointed to the following disturbances: elevated blood glucose in 3, cholesterol in 7 and triglycerides in 10 patients; decreased HDL in 10 and increased LDL in 6 patients; increased white blood cell count in 16 and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate in 5 patients. TCD analysis revealed functional impairments of cerebral circulation in 16 patients, i.e. vasospasm in 11 and hypoperfusion in 5 patients. A significant presence of unhealthy lifestyle indicators was recorded, i.e. smoking in 30, alcoholism in 15, and physical inactivity and overweight in 10 patinets each. Study results confirmed the correlation of mentalal and physical mechanisms in the occurence PTSD as well as the presence of organic indicators of the nervous system lesions, and psychosomatic and organic damage to other corporal systems. This small uncontrolled pilot study, suggested the need of complex approach to the patients with PTSD.

Cerebrovascular diseases; etiology; Stress; psychological

nije evidentirano