Carrion et al Study (development, bio)

Question 1

```

~~~

Aim

Answer 1

To identify the neurofunctional correlates to memory processing in adolescents with PTSS.

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

• Sample: 27 youth between age of 10 and 17, 16 with history of interpersonal trauma and PTSS, 11 youth with similar age/gender as controls
• Youth had to complete a memory task on nouns that involved both an encoding and a retrieval stage. fMRIs were recorded throughout both stages
• Encoding: 40 unique nouns, one at a time. To enhance encoding, when word appeared on screen, participants had to indicate whether or not it was man-made
• Recall: 32 repeated words and 16 new words. Participants had to state whether or not each word appeared during encoding phase
• Accuracy, response time and brain activity were recorded

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

• PTSS group had a similar response time but less accuracy in recall task
• During encoding, there was no significant difference in the brain activity
• During recall, control group had greater activation in the right hippocampus (while controlling for IQ)
• PTSS group did not show significant activation
• Severity of avoidance and numbing symptoms correlated with less activity during recall in left hippocampus
• Suggests that difficulties in memory processing in youth with PTSS could be related to deficits in the right hippocampus. These deficits have been linked to atrophy and dendritic loss due to chronic stress and other neurological functions

Question 4

Strengths

Answer 4

• Advantages to have two groups but addition of other groups such as trauma-exposed youth who don’t experience PTSS could be useful

Question 5

Limitations

Answer 5

• Small sample size
• Prenatal and postnatal history should be included

Question 6

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• Approved by the stanford review board
• Parent and child consent were obtained for all participants
• Informed consent (important when conducting test in an enclosed space)

Question 7

Research Method

Answer 7

• Experiment or quasi-experiment