Metabolic Syndrome, Psychiatric Disorders

Independent effects of posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis and metabolic syndrome status on prefrontal cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter volumes

The study shows that PTSD and metabolic syndrome independently alter brain structures linked to appetite and reward, with notable reductions in prefrontal cortex thickness and subcortical gray matter volumes. Metabolic syndrome particularly affects the prefrontal cortex and specific subcortical regions associated with food intake. Components of metabolic syndrome, like triglycerides and glucose levels, also correlate with these brain changes. These findings suggest a complex interplay between PTSD, metabolic health, and brain structure, underscoring the importance of monitoring metabolic changes in PTSD patients.