EDUCATION vs. INDOCTRINATION

Abstract

Current research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated cognitive dysfunction is in its infancy, and there are many remaining areas of uncertainty. Research has not yet provided definitive conclusions as to the time-course of neurocognitive deficit; onset of dysfunction may be sparked by PTSD symptomatology that occurs after the trauma, and/or pre trauma cognitive dysfunction may prove to be a risk factor for developing PTSD after trauma exposure. Regardless of the etiology of potential neurocognitive deficits, examination of cognitive function is an important consideration. Since there is substantial inter-individual variability, screening for severe cognitive deficits should be considered before formulating a treatment plan. Severe cognitive dysfunction in memory and attentional domains may have negative predictive value for the benefit of specific psychotherapies, although this hypothesis requires empirical testing. Although neurocognitive dysfunction in PTSD may not be a discrete treatment target, neurocognitive deficits represent an important illness dimension of PTSD associated with morbidity and poor quality of life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)