Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Cognitive functioning and the early development of PTSD
V Bustamante1, T A Mellman, D David
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA.
Abstract:
Cross-sectional studies of chronic PTSD reveal deficits in verbal memory. We studied cognitive functioning and its relationship to current and subsequent PTSD severity during an early phase of trauma response. Thiry-eight participants with traumatic injuries and only posttrauma incident psychopathology were evaluated shortly after admission to a Level I Trauma Center Neuropsychological measures were obtained at baseline and assessment of PTSD and other psychiatric disorders was conducted at baseline and follow-up, 6 weeks later. Significant negative correlations were found for follow-up PTSD severity with delayed recall and retroactive interference. These relationships were not significant for and were independent of baseline PTSD severity. Relative deficits in select areas of verbal memory after a trauma may confer greater risk for developing PTSD.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Information Processing Approach
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...

