Application of Neuroscience Research to the Understanding and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The following article outlines the possible application of the technologies of neuroscience to improve medical and mental health professionals' understanding of the sequelae and maintenance of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A neurocognitive model of PTSD is presented, incorporating findings of frontal and subcortical dysregulation after exposure to trauma. Suggestions for incorporating more neurologically-based techniques into PTSD treatment, including cognitive rehabilitation and neurofeedback, and speculations regarding the utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of PTSD are also presented.