Cognitive functioning and posttraumatic stress disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examined the association of cognitive impairment with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric diagnoses known to affect cognitive functioning.


METHODS
The results of standardized neuropsychological tests were compared in four groups of Vietnam veterans: veterans with both a lifetime history of PTSD and a current diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse; veterans with only a PTSD diagnosis; veterans with only a current diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse; and veterans with none of these diagnoses.


RESULTS
Veterans with both PTSD and concurrent diagnoses. exhibited more impairment in cognitive functioning than did veterans without these diagnoses.


CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive deficits seen among persons diagnosed with PTSD may be associated with their concomitant diagnoses.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
D H
DH
Barrett
M L
ML
Green
R
R
Morris
W H
WH
Giles
J B
JB
Croft
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology