Multilayer Network Analysis of Dynamic Network Reconfiguration in Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

BACKGROUND: Brain functional network abnormalities are reported in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have assumed that the functional networks remain static during the scans. How these might change dynamically in PTSD remains unclear. METHODS: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 71 noncomorbid, treatment-naive patients with PTSD and 70 demographically matched, trauma-exposed non-PTSD control subjects. Network switching rate was used to characterize dynamic changes of individual resting-state functional networks. Results were analyzed by comparing switching rates between the PTSD and trauma-exposed non-PTSD groups, testing for diagnosis 3 sex interactions, and examining correlations with PTSD symptom severity. RESULTS: At the global level, the PTSD group showed significantly lower network switching rates than the trauma-exposed non-PTSD group. These were observed mainly in the frontoparietal, default mode, and limbic networks at the subnetwork level and in the frontal and temporal regions at the nodal level. These network switching rate alter-ations were correlated with PTSD symptom severity. There were no significant effects of sex. CONCLUSIONS: These disruptions of dynamic functional network stability, reflected by lower network switching rates in the resting state, are a feature of PTSD and suggest that the frontoparietal, default mode, and limbic networks a critical role in the neural mechanisms.

Automated summary

This study found that patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have abnormal brain functional networks, characterized by decreased network switching rates in the frontoparietal, default mode, and limbic networks, as well as frontal and temporal regions. These disruptions in dynamic functional network stability are related to the severity of PTSD symptoms.