Investigating the Neural Correlates of Partial PTSD: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Partial PTSD (PPTSD) describes the presence of clinically significant trauma symptoms that do not meet the diagnostic criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examines the neural correlates of PPTSD by drawing a symptomatic overlap between Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Methods: Literature databases included Google Scholar, PubMed and Mendeley. Following a preliminary screening, six exclusion criteria (Inadequate data, No neural correlates, Comorbidities, Lifetime prevalence of PPTSD, Inconsistent results, Age criteria) were applied. The reference lists of all selected papers were also screened. Results: A total of sixty-three papers were reviewed and critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Inventory. This study examined the neural networks and dysregulations associated with Partial Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPTSD), shedding light on the intricate interplay of brain regions contributing to the spectrum of PPTSD symptoms. Five key neural networks and regions that play a central role in PPTSD were identified. The Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), Executive Control Network (ECN), Emotion Regulation Network, and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis. Along with which the role of the hippocampus in conjunction with these networks was also highlighted. Conclusion: These findings emphasise the complex neural landscape underlying PPTSD, with the interplay between these networks and regions contributing to a wide range of neural dynamics. Further research, including neuroimaging and neuromodulatory studies, is needed to explore these interactions in greater depth. Understanding these neural mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions and treatments for PPTSD and related disorders.