New research using AI mining to identify brain regions that drive trauma dissociation

2024-03-01

A new study from McLean Hospital has potentially discovered brain regions that drive dissociation reactions reported by individuals who experience abuse and trauma during childhood. These findings add an interpretable element to dissociation and dissociation disorders, both of which still face public and clinical skepticism, and the uniqueness of this discovery is that some of these findings were achieved through the use of artificial intelligence technology.

Dissociation and dissociation disorders are typically reported by individuals who have experienced temporary extreme trauma or long-term abuse, especially during childhood. This kind of obstacle may manifest in different ways, including feeling completely detached from one's emotions, feeling detached or floating from one's body, feeling that reality is not real, feeling confused about one's identity, losing memory, feeling different from oneself, and feeling out of control over certain bodily movements.

If these problems persist for a long time, they will seriously affect a person's life and highlight the necessity of effective treatment. Unfortunately, this type of treatment is often lacking. Although people who have experienced traumatic events or abuse have extensively reported on these issues, many in the medical community remain skeptical about the effectiveness of dissociation symptoms and disorders, leading to a lack of sufficient treatment or patients not seeking help.

The new study may have found fundamental changes related to dissociation in the brain through the use of machine learning and fMRI scans of 65 women diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder who experienced abuse during childhood. This technology can detect functional changes in the connectivity of brain regions related to each patient's dissociation symptoms.

Dr. Lauren A.M. Lebois, one of the main authors of the study, explained that this brings us closer to identifying a dissociated "fingerprint" in the brain, which can serve as an objective diagnostic tool. In the future, once brain based measurements reach a high level of sensitivity and specificity, we can use these assessments for individuals who are unable to effectively discuss their symptoms - such as those who may intentionally or unintentionally minimize or exaggerate their symptoms - or in situations where objective and conclusive evidence is needed, such as in court proceedings.

The Deep Value of Hybrid Cloud: Elastic Interconnection, Security and Efficiency