Probing reward function in posttraumatic stress disorder: Expectancy and satisfaction with monetary gains and losses

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with dysfunctional reward processing. The present study assessed for such dysfunction in both the expectancy and outcome phases of reward processing. Methods Male Vietnam veterans with ( n = 15) and without ( n = 11) combat-r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of psychiatric research 2008-08, Vol.42 (10), p.802-807
Main Authors: Hopper, James W, Pitman, Roger K, Su, Zhaohui, Heyman, Gene M, Lasko, Natasha B, Macklin, Michael L, Orr, Scott P, Lukas, Scott E, Elman, Igor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Anxiety disorders. Neuroses
Biological and medical sciences
Combat Disorders - diagnosis
Combat Disorders - psychology
Culture
Emotion
Emotions
Expectancy
Gambling - psychology
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Motivation
Numbing
Personal Satisfaction
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
PTSD
Reward
Satisfaction
Veterans - psychology
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Summary:Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with dysfunctional reward processing. The present study assessed for such dysfunction in both the expectancy and outcome phases of reward processing. Methods Male Vietnam veterans with ( n = 15) and without ( n = 11) combat-related PTSD were administered a wheel of fortune-type gambling task. Self-reported ratings of expectancy and satisfaction were collected respectively before and after each experience of monetary gain or loss. Results PTSD participants reported both lower expectancy of reward and lower satisfaction with reward when it was received. The latter result was manifest in a failure of PTSD participants to show the greater satisfaction that normally accompanies rewards received under conditions of low expectancy. Conclusion These results suggest reward function impairment in PTSD related to expectancy, satisfaction, and the expectancy-satisfaction relationship.
ISSN:0022-3956
1879-1379
DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2007.10.008