Work

Baseline startle amplitude and prepulse inhibition in Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

Year: 1996

Type: article

Abstract: Although an exaggerated startle response is a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), empirical support for elevated baseline startle in PTSD has been weak. The present study investigated the eyeblink component of the acoustic startle reflex and prepulse inhibition (PPI) in 21 unmedicated Vietnam veterans with PTSD and in 17 civilian and 10 combat veteran comparison subjects. Patients with PTSD exhibited normal acoustic startle amplitude, but showed a significant reduction in PPI relative to the civilian subjects. There was only a trend toward a reduction in PPI in the PTSD group compared with the combat control group. The study does not support the hypothesis of exaggerated baseline startle in Vietnam veterans with PTSD but suggests abnormal startle modulation by a prepulse (i.e., PPI). Discrepancies between studies concerning the amplitude of startle in PTSD are discussed.

Source: Psychiatry Research

DOI: 10.1016/s0165-1781(96)02942-3

Authors: Christian Grillon, Charles A. Morgan, Steve M. Southwick, Michael Davis, Dennis S. Charney

Institutions: United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Yale University, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Language: English

Topic: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,230