Comparing Cognitive Aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma

Abstract

Attentional, executive, and memory deficits have been described in PTSD, as well as emotional cognitive biases. Many findings, however, are controversial and conflicting. Here, we describe strategies for outlining a cognitive profile in PTSD. Though difficult to carry out, longitudinal and monozygotic twin studies are the best designs for measuring the cognitive effects of stress, trauma, and PTSD. Cross-sectional studies may have their reliability improved by the comparison of three groups: trauma victims who developed PTSD, trauma victims without PTSD, and healthy controls not exposed to trauma. Studies should also be homogeneous regarding type of trauma and neuropsychological instruments.