Brain State Dynamics in Ketamine-Induced Dissociation Resemble Those in PTSD

Dissociation—feeling detached from one's body, surroundings, or self—is common in PTSD but its neural basis is poorly understood. Using network control theory, researchers examined brain dynamics during dissociative states in two contexts: ketamine-induced dissociation in 30 healthy volunteers and therapeutic interventions in 78 PTSD patients. Ketamine produced brain dynamics similar to those seen in PTSD patients before treatment, with increased dominance of a default mode network meta-state and decreased dominance of a somatomotor meta-state. Ketamine did not significantly alter the brain's energetic landscape, but transition energies increased after PTSD treatment, suggesting more organized, less entropic brain dynamics.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Dissociation, an altered state of consciousness in which individuals feel detached from their body, environment, and sense of self, is a common feature of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Despite its significance, the neurocognitive processes underlying dissociation remain poorly understood, potentially limiting the effectiveness of PTSD diagnostics and treatment. To address this gap, we apply network control theory to examine neural dynamics corresponding to dissociative states in two contexts: intravenous ketamine administration, an anesthetic known to induce dissociative states (n=30, healthy volunteers), and therapeutic interventions in PTSD patients expected to alleviate dissociative symptoms (n=78). Ketamine administration led to brain dynamics resembling those observed in PTSD patients pre-treatment, with increased dominance of a default mode network meta-state and decreased dominance of a somatomotor meta-state. While ketamine did not significantly alter the brain's energetic landscape, transition energies increased post-treatment in PTSD patients, potentially indicating more organized and less entropic brain dynamics.