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Learning and memory in Holocaust survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder
Rachel Yehuda1, Julia A Golier, Sarah L Halligan
1Traumatic Stress Studies Program, Psychiatry Department, Bronx Veterans Affairs, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|January 28, 2004
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impairs verbal learning and memory in Holocaust survivors. These cognitive deficits, particularly in learning, may be a consequence of chronic PTSD and accelerated by age.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to memory impairments.
- Holocaust survivors with PTSD exhibit deficits in explicit memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific memory components affected by PTSD in Holocaust survivors.
- To compare memory function across Holocaust survivors with and without PTSD and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the California Verbal Learning Test.
- Assessed Holocaust survivors with PTSD (n=36), without PTSD (n=26), and non-exposed controls (n=40).
Main Results:
- PTSD group showed significant impairments in learning and retention compared to controls.
- Learning deficits persisted after controlling for intelligence quotient.
- Older age correlated with poorer performance in the PTSD group.
Conclusions:
- Verbal learning impairment is a key deficit in PTSD, potentially a risk factor or consequence.
- Cognitive decline may be accelerated in individuals with PTSD, particularly with age.