PTSD-relevant factors which contribute to mouse-models of fear inhibition: sex, sleep and circadian rhythms

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and debilitating form of psychiatric illness. Inhibition of trauma-associated fear is critical for treatment and recovery from PTSD. However, fear inhibition impairment is a primary feature of this condition and likely contributes to poor treatment outcomes. This thesis examines the effects of factors associated with PTSD (sex differences, circadian disruption and REM sleep modulation) on mouse models of fear inhibition. Results of this thesis provide insight into factors which contribute to a fundamental mechanism of PTSD (fear inhibition) and may have important implications for understanding and treatment of this condition.