LATERAL PREFERENCE IN POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER

Background. We assessed lateral preference in 80 male patients with co mbat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and in 100 healthy age-matched male controls. Methods. Hand, foot, eye and ear preference s were examined, using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory-Modified and the Coren Inventory of Lateral Preference.Results. Mixed lateral pref erence was noted in significantly more PTSD patients than controls (65 v. 43%, P < 0.005). Conclusions. These results indicate a possible he mispheric imbalance (less lateralization) in PTSD patients, with the r ight hemisphere playing a more active role in perceptual and cognitive processing and in the regulation of biological responses in these pat ients. This imbalance may be relevant to the pathophysiology of PTSD.