The use of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in PTSD research-Meta-analyses of findings and methodological review

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Different neuroimaging techniques provided evidence for structural and functional brain alterations in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to technical improvements, especially concerning localization techniques and more reliable analysis methods, one technique, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), has increasingly become of interest because it allows further insight into metabolic mechanisms that may contribute to these alterations. The aim of this article is, therefore, to review recent studies utilizing 1H-MRS of the hippocampus and other brain structures in PTSD. Using meta-analytic methods, we attempted to answer the question if PTSD, as compared to different types of control samples, is accompanied by altered neurometabolite ratios and concentrations in the tissue of different brain regions. A second intent was to review methodological aspects to advise on a minimal standard for reliable results with respect to the application of 1H-MRS in PTSD. Finally, we discussed the implications of the findings with respect to current PTSD models and future research.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-22
Number of pages16
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume34
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2010
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 70350231934
PubMed 19559046
ORCID /0000-0001-8204-5699/work/154738462

Keywords

Keywords

  • H-MRS, Anterior cingulate cortex, Hippocampus, Memory, Meta-analysis, Plasticity, PTSD