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Odor‐induced EEG changes in PTSD Vietnam veterans
Author(s) -
McCaffrey Robert J.,
Lorig Tyler S.,
Pendrey Deanna L.,
McCutcheon N. Bruce,
Garrett James C.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.2490060205
Subject(s) - odor , electroencephalography , psychology , audiology , psychiatry , clinical psychology , medicine , neuroscience
Abstract Electroencephalogram (EEG) changes in response to trauma and non‐traumarelated odors were examined in five Vietnam veterans with a DSM‐III‐R diagnosis of Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and in five Vietnam veterans with adjustment‐related problems (non‐PTSD). Period analysis of the EEG indicated that the odors differentially affected the PTSD group's theta and alpha activity compared to the non‐PTSD group. The greatest EEG and self‐report odor and PTSD effects were found in response to a trauma odor which simulated burning flesh. These findings have important implications in the detection of veterans who attempt to feign deliberately the psychophysiological response pattern associated with PTSD.