Biochemical and Physiological Response to Stressogenic Stimuli

Measuring the Biochemical and Physiological Response to Controlled Stressogenic Stimuli

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by physiological changes, some of which are thought to be chronic, while others are observed in response to stressogenic stimuli. A psychiatric diagnosis of PTSD is currently based mainly on non-quantitative elements, such as interviews and subjective impressions. Discernable patterns of stress-related measures may constitute a physiological and biochemical phenotype characteristic of PTSD, which may serve as a biomarker and support diagnostic decisions, as well as personalized treatment plans.

The current study is aimed at examining the possibility of basing a psychiatric diagnosis by measuring changes in the biochemical phenotype of participants with PTSD. Physiological and biochemical data will be collected from participants with and without PTSD using wearable sensors and adhesive biosensor patches. The data will be collected in two conditions: in a neutral, quiet situation, and during and following exposure to controlled stressogenic stimuli.

Inclusion Criteria:

• PTSD diagnosis (excluding controls)
• Proper ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active oncological/cardiovascular condition
• Dialysis patients
• Active psychotic or suicidal symptoms
• Severe dissociative symptoms
• A traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis
• Pregnancy