PTSD PTSD Neurobiology & Physiological Responses

Question 1

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for the fear response dysregulation seen in PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Cerebellum

Question 2

What physiological change in the hippocampus is commonly observed in individuals with chronic PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Reduced hippocampal volume

Answer

Increased hippocampal volume

Answer

Hippocampal calcification

Answer

Hippocampal hyperplasia

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter system is most implicated in the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Noradrenergic system

Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

GABAergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Question 4

What is the role of cortisol in PTSD pathophysiology?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol levels are typically low or dysregulated in PTSD

Answer

Cortisol levels are uniformly elevated in PTSD

Answer

Cortisol has no measurable role in PTSD

Answer

Cortisol exclusively causes flashbacks

Question 5

Which autonomic nervous system state is most associated with PTSD hyperarousal symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic dominance

Answer

Parasympathetic dominance

Answer

Balanced autonomic tone

Answer

Dorsal vagal shutdown only

Question 6

What does the term 'fear extinction deficit' mean in the context of PTSD neurobiology?

Accepted Answer

Impaired ability to learn that previously feared stimuli are no longer dangerous

Answer

The inability to form new fear memories

Answer

Complete loss of all fear responses

Answer

Overactive fear extinction leading to emotional numbness