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State v. Browder
The Hawaii Supreme Court vacated a sexual assault conviction. Prosecutors cannot describe a witness as "traumatized" without expert testimony because the term has a specific psychological meaning.
State v. Schueller
New therapies for PTSD may justify reconsidering a veteran's sentence. The court found that new scientific understanding can undermine previous sentencing assumptions about the condition.
Brief of Safe Living Space and Dr. Edie Zusman, MD, FAANS, as Amici Curiae in Support of the Petitioner
The brief argues for clarifying the "ongoing emergency" rule for 911 calls in domestic violence cases, especially when victims have head injuries. It seeks guidance on when victim statements are considered evidence for trial.
Brief of Center for Law, Brain and Behavior as Amicus Curiae in Support of Appellees-Plaintiffs Joao Neves, Keith Nunes, Pablo Ortega, and Mario Monteiro
This brief argues that Mario's Law should apply to all youth under 22 who have served 20 years, citing scientific evidence that adolescent brains continue to develop, making reliable predictions of future dangerousness impossible.
From Social Isolation to Social Justice: The Neuroscience of Solitary Confinement
Sensory and social deprivation, like that experienced in solitary confinement, significantly harms mental health. Research shows this can induce psychotic symptoms and alter brain function, underscoring the severe impact of isolation.
Smaller total and subregional cerebellar volumes in posttraumatic stress disorder: a mega-analysis by the ENIGMA-PGC PTSD workgroup
Trauma survivors with PTSD often have smaller volumes in certain brain regions, including the cerebellum. This smaller cerebellar volume may contribute to PTSD symptoms by disrupting stress responses and emotional processing.
Neurobiology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Most people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD. While symptoms often lessen over time, about one-third of those initially diagnosed with PTSD will experience chronic symptoms.
The Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Practice in Youth Justice: An Umbrella Review
Youth justice services are exploring trauma-informed practices to improve outcomes for young people and enhance community safety. This approach aims to reduce harm and re-traumatization by addressing past maltreatment and adversity.
Sensory Alterations in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This article reviews how altered sensory processing is linked to PTSD symptoms and discusses structural and functional brain differences associated with the disorder. It highlights recent findings and therapies based on this understanding.
Genome-Wide Association Analyses Identify 95 Risk Loci and Provide Insights Into the Neurobiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a complex condition with genetic links. Recent research identifies 81 genetic risk locations, highlighting the need for larger studies across diverse populations to improve understanding and treatment.
People v. Jones
The court ruled a nurse examiner's expert testimony on memory was admissible. Her experience with sexual assault cases qualified her to testify on the topic.
Severe Cognitive Impairment in Trauma-Affected Refugees—Exploring the Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury
This study found that tortured refugees with both a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD showed greater cognitive impairments and more severe mental and physical health issues.
The Impact of Detention on the Health of Asylum Seekers: An Updated Systematic Review
Confining asylum seekers in detention centers harms their mental health during and after detention. Those detained experience higher rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
The Mental Health of Ukrainian Refugees: A Narrative Review
The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war has led to millions of Ukrainian refugees, primarily women and children. Many refugees experienced war-specific traumas, increasing their risk for mental health disorders like PTSD and depression.