Research aim: To provide a better understanding of psychophysiological characteristics of trauma-affected refugees and investigate the correlation between the psychophysiological measures and symptom severity. Furthermore, we will compare the deficiencies in psychophysiological measures in our patient group with a group of patients suffering from schizophrenia.

Design: Case-control-study

Population: 30 trauma-affected refugees and 30 healthy control refugees matched on age, country of origin and socioeconomic status

Methods: We will measure neural activity with electroencephalography (EEG) using a psychophysiological battery, which tests sensory-gating, sensorimotor gating, selective attention and mismatch negativity. Study participants will undergo one day of interview and one day of psychophysiological assessment.

Primary investigator: Hanieh Meteran, MD

Supervisors: Jessica Carlsson, MD, PhD, Sigurd Wingaard Uldall, MD, PhD, Erik Vindbjerg Msc Psychology, PhD, Bob Oranje, MD, PhD

Publications

Meteran, H., Vindbjerg, E., Uldall, S. W., Glenthøj, B., Carlsson, J., & Oranje, B. (2019). Startle habituation, sensory, and sensorimotor gating in trauma-affected refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychological Medicine, 49(4), 581-589.