North Korean defectors with PTSD and complex PTSD show alterations in default mode network resting-state functional connectivity

• DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.636
• Publication Date: 2024-01-05T08:50:41Z
• Authors: Byung-Hoon Kim; Jiwon Baek; Ocksim Kim; Hokon Kim; Minjeong Ko; Sang Hui Chu; Young-Chul Jung
• Keywords: Posterior cingulate; Putamen; Region of interest

Background North Korean defectors (NKDs) have often been exposed to traumatic events. However, there few studies of neural alterations in NKDs with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (cPTSD). Aims To investigate cPTSD, a specific focus on resting-state functional connectivity networks, including the default mode network (DMN). Method Resting-state was assessed using brain magnetic resonance imaging three groups NKDs: without PTSD, cPTSD. Statistical tests were performed, region interest (ROI)-to-ROI ROI-to-voxel analysis, followed by post hoc correlation analysis. Results In ROI-to-ROI differences found among components DMN, as well thalamus basal ganglia. Right hippocampus–left pallidum right amygdala–left lingual gyrus differed between did involving The analysis revealed negative correlations Coping Adaptation Processing Scale (CAPS) score left posterior cingulate cortex–right CAPS putamen–left angular control group, which not observed other groups. Conclusions results suggest that are DMN limbic system these involve lower ganglia–DMN patients compared controls further implies connectivities potential targets for treatment