Neural manifolds that orchestrate walking and stopping

Walking, stopping and maintaining posture are essential motor behaviors, yet the underlying neural processes remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate neural activity behind locomotion and

Parvalbumin interneurons gate and shape striatal sequences

Loss of striatal interneurons expressing parvalbumin (PV+) is associated with impulsive and uncontrolled behaviors, yet how these cells contribute to striatal information processing is poorly

Sensory processing reformats odor coding around valence and dynamics

Extracting relevant features of a complex sensory signal typically involves sequential processing through multiple brain regions. However, identifying the logic and mechanisms of these transformations

Intrinsic ion dynamics underlies the temporal nature of resting-state functional connectivity

The neural mechanisms underlying the emergence of functional connectivity in resting-state fMRI remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that resting-state activity consists of brief periods

Population-level temporal decoding and dynamical structure in frontostriatal circuits during decision making

Perceptual decisions unfold over time, requiring neural circuits to evaluate sensory evidence, track elapsed time, and commit to an action. To investigate how these computations

Validation and Refinement of Operator Syndrome in Active-Duty Special Operations Forces

November 7, 2025

Background: Operator Syndrome (OS) describes the unique constellation of symptoms observed in special operations forces (SOF) following a) chronic and repetitive exposure to high-tempo tasks that are physically demanding and involve extreme threats to physical safety, b) are compounded by potentially traumatic events, and/or c) traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study sought to empirically test the validity of OS and refine OS to reflect the latest evidence. Methods: Active-duty, treatment seeking SOF with significant histories of TBI who participated in VA Palo Altos Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (n = 202) completed a battery of multimodal and multidimensional assessments as part of their clinical care. OS was evaluated according to the Middle-Out Approach, using both variable-centered (exploratory factor analysis [EFA]) and person-centered (latent class analysis [LCA]) methods with a closer examination using LCA of unique mental health presentations. Results: A one-factor and one-class structure across 9 domains of OS was indicated by EFA and LCA, respectively. Meeting [≥] 5 domains (Headaches [.679] Mental Health [.634], Pain [.560], Sensory [.524], and Sleep [.441] Disruptions) accounted for 68.9% of the variance in OS outcomes, suggesting a suitable criterion for detecting OS, which was experienced by 180 (89.1%) participants. Unique mental health presentations of Dysphoric Arousal (47.5%) and Hyperarousal (28.7%) were more common than traditionally recognized presentations of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (23.8%). Conclusions: This study provides the first empirical validation of OS as a unitary construct, as well as evidence of the core features of OS and evidence that OS can provide unique utility beyond current psychiatric diagnoses. Criterion A-C for detecting OS are recommended. Further precision in assessing the systemic influences of OS can help triage effective integrative treatments for OS in SOF personnel.

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