This study aimed to explore the predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women who have recently experienced sexual assault, by examining psychological and neurophysiological factors using a prospective design with resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) functional connectivity. The study enrolled 33 women who had been recently traumatized by sexual assault and conducted assessments within a month of the trauma. These survivors were evaluated for PTSD three months later and were classified into two groups: PTSD positive (n = 12) and PTSD negative (n = 21). They were compared to two control groups comprising women who had not experienced any extremely traumatic events: 25 with depression and 25 healthy controls. The evaluation focused on resting-state EEG functional connectivity within default mode network (DMN) using small-worldness (SW), based on graph theory. We also assessed self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, anger, and executive functions. The findings indicated that survivors who developed PTSD three months post-trauma exhibited higher anxiety levels and reduced DMN SW in the beta 3 frequency, compared to those who did not develop PTSD. Contrary to expectations, survivors without PTSD showed decreased executive functioning and lower prefrontal centrality compared to those with PTSD. This study underscores the importance of early assessment and intervention for sexual assault survivors at risk of developing PTSD.

中文翻译：

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脑电图默认模式网络与性侵犯后创伤后应激障碍相关的前瞻性研究


本研究旨在通过静息态脑电图 (EEG) 功能连接的前瞻性设计检查心理和神经生理因素，探讨最近经历过性侵犯的女性创伤后应激障碍 (PTSD) 的预测因素。该研究招募了 33 名最近因性侵犯而受到创伤的女性，并在创伤发生后一个月内进行了评估。三个月后对这些幸存者进行了 PTSD 评估，并将其分为两组：PTSD 阳性组（n = 12）和 PTSD 阴性组（n = 21）。他们与两个对照组进行了比较，该对照组由没有经历过任何极度创伤事件的女性组成：25 名患有抑郁症的女性和 25 名健康对照组。评估的重点是基于图论，使用小世界 (SW) 的默认模式网络 (DMN) 内的静息态脑电图功能连接。我们还评估了自我报告的抑郁、焦虑、愤怒和执行功能水平。研究结果表明，与未发生 PTSD 的幸存者相比，在创伤后三个月发生 PTSD 的幸存者表现出更高的焦虑水平，并且 DMN SW 的 beta 3 频率降低。与预期相反，与患有 PTSD 的幸存者相比，没有 PTSD 的幸存者表现出执行功能下降和前额叶中心性较低。这项研究强调了对有患创伤后应激障碍风险的性侵犯幸存者进行早期评估和干预的重要性。