Verbal learning deficits in posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.
Verbal learning and memory deficits are frequently reported in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but may be a product of its psychiatric comorbidities, especially major depressive disorder (MDD). To evaluate this hypothesis, 25 medication-free patients with PTSD and comorbid MDD were compared to 148 medication-free patients with equally severe MDD alone and to 96 nonpatients on a measure of verbal learning and memory. Additional measures of attention, working memory, and executive function were administered to evaluate their contribution to verbal memory impairment. Patients with comorbid PTSD and MDD demonstrated the greatest deficit in verbal learning compared to both MDD patients and nonpatients (omnibus effect sizes ranged d = 0.41 to 0.50), one that was not accounted for by other cognitive deficits. Findings suggest that a current diagnosis of PTSD makes a contribution to verbal learning deficits beyond the effect of depression alone.
Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA.
Diane L
DL
Scheiner
John
J
Keilp
Monica Rivera
MR
Mindt
Ainsley K
AK
Burke
Maria A
MA
Oquendo
J John
JJ
Mann
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D014706:Verbal Learning; D055815:Young Adult