New technique allows doctors to identify individuals who suffer from PTSD

Researchers from the University of Minnesota revealed that increased circuit activity in the right side of the brain is associated with debilitating, involuntary flashbacks often found with individuals who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reports Psych Central.

Researchers told the news source that the ability to diagnose PTSD through evidence of neural activity is the first step to helping individuals who are afflicted by the severe anxiety disorder. The condition often results in recurring nightmares, anger and hypervigilance after an individual is exposed to a psychologically traumatic event.

Researchers used a technique called magnetoencephalography, which measures the magnetic fields in the brain, which can find differences between signals in the temporal and parieto-occipital right hemispheric areas of the brain among those with PTSD.

Furthermore, researchers said the technique allows them to find how severe the condition is and possibly help them to gauge how badly patients are impacted by other brain disorders.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 7.7 million Americans suffer from PTSD.