Substantial advances are being made in the understanding of PTSD biology through preclinical studies3, many of which are focused on fear systems in the brain, and some of which are being translated to human studies of PTSD4. Human neuroimaging studies highlight probable dysfunction in brain fear circuitry that includes deficits in top-down modulation of the amygdala by regulatory regions such as the anterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex5,6. Neuroendocrine studies have identified abnormalities in the HPA axis and glucocorticoid-induced gene expression in the development and maintenance of PTSD7,8. However, many questions remain about the pathophysiology of PTSD, and new targets are needed for prevention and treatment.
