PTSD and the P300 Biomarker

EEG measurement of P300 brainwave activity helps distinguish PTSD from similar-looking conditions, and gives us a way to track recovery.

Recent studies using EEG have measured P300 activity in the brains of individuals living with PTSD. Measuring the P300 brainwave helps a practitioner distinguish PTSD from other disorders that share similar symptoms, like major depression.

In one study, EEG recordings were taken from 51 PTSD patients, 67 MDD patients, and 39 healthy people. Participants with PTSD only and participants with PTSD and other disorders did an auditory task while their P300 voltage and speed were measured.

PTSD patients showed reduced P300 amplitude, delayed responses, and less brain activity compared to healthy controls and those with depression. These differences were linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. A machine-learning model had high accuracy in distinguishing between PTSD and the other groups.

PainLab uses the WAVi EEG platform to measure P300 in part because abnormal P300 activity serves as a useful biomarker for PTSD and many other conditions, including cognitive, mental, mood, and injury challenges.

If you or a loved one is concerned about these types of brain health problems, don't hesitate to reach out to us!

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