Brain Function



Objectives:To use brain imaging to better understand brain function, cognition and adjustment of veterans who may or may not be experiencing symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A complex psychiatric syndrome that develops in response to trauma exposure. Individuals with PTSD experience intrusive recollections or reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma reminders, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. In addition, PTSD is associated with high rates of concomitant physical and mental health problems, increased health care use, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Almost 7% of the general population and up to 30% of veterans meet lifetime criteria for PTSD. Indeed, PTSD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a significant and costly public health concern.
), mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or other co-occuring mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, etc.

Research plan and methods:Veterans with and without
PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A complex psychiatric syndrome that develops in response to trauma exposure. Individuals with PTSD experience intrusive recollections or reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma reminders, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. In addition, PTSD is associated with high rates of concomitant physical and mental health problems, increased health care use, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Almost 7% of the general population and up to 30% of veterans meet lifetime criteria for PTSD. Indeed, PTSD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a significant and costly public health concern.
, mTBI, depression, and other co-occurring disorders will be invited to complete mental health assessments, cognitive testing, and a brief, noninvasive task to measure brain activity (magnetoencephalography, or
Magnetoencephalography

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A noninvasive technique that detects magnetic fields above the surface of the head produced by postsynaptic potentials in the brain.
).

This study has already increased understanding through numerous presentations and two articles in scientific journals. It has also gained a lot of media attention. A simple Google internet search of "Engdahl
MEG

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A noninvasive technique that detects magnetic fields above the surface of the head produced by postsynaptic potentials in the brain.
PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A complex psychiatric syndrome that develops in response to trauma exposure. Individuals with PTSD experience intrusive recollections or reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma reminders, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. In addition, PTSD is associated with high rates of concomitant physical and mental health problems, increased health care use, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Almost 7% of the general population and up to 30% of veterans meet lifetime criteria for PTSD. Indeed, PTSD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a significant and costly public health concern.
" turns up over 97,000 results, including articles from Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, USA Today, TIME, CNET, and the Scientific American, as well as segments on Fox 9 News and Minnesota Public Radio.

If you are interested in our studies, please call our Project Coordinator at 612-467-1460

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