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Is posttraumatic stress disorder associated with specific deficits in episodic memory?
Claire L Isaac1, Delia Cushway, Gregory V Jones
1Coventry University, Priory Road, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK. c.l.isaac@sheffield.ac.uk
Clinical Psychology Review
|February 17, 2006
Summary
People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience memory issues. This review found evidence of frontal lobe involvement but inconsistent results for the hippocampus and no studies on the amygdala regarding PTSD memory deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with memory impairments.
- Brain imaging studies reveal abnormalities in memory-related regions in individuals with PTSD.
- Existing research on cognitive functioning in PTSD yields inconsistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on episodic memory performance in individuals with PTSD.
- To examine the role of the frontal lobes, hippocampus, and amygdala in PTSD-related memory deficits.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published research on episodic memory in PTSD.
- Analysis of studies focusing on frontal lobe, hippocampal, and amygdala function.
- Evaluation of cognitive test performance data.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests frontal lobe dysfunction contributes to memory problems in PTSD.
- Detecting memory deficits linked to hippocampal involvement in PTSD has proven challenging.
- No studies have directly investigated amygdala involvement, though preliminary data indicate a potential role.
Conclusions:
- Frontal lobe involvement in PTSD memory deficits is supported by current evidence.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of the hippocampus and amygdala in PTSD-related memory impairments.
- The inconclusiveness of results may stem from methodological variations and the complexity of PTSD.
Related Concept Videos
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01:20Traumatic Memory
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01:27Dissociative Disorders
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01:21Dissociative Amnesia
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01:13Amnesia
Amnesia is a condition marked by long-term memory loss, which impairs the ability to recall past events or create new memories.
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