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Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
Memory and executive dysfunctions associated with acute posttraumatic stress disorder
Geneviève Lagarde1, Julien Doyon, Alain Brunet
1Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Acute posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to neurocognitive deficits, affecting memory, attention, and executive functions. These findings are crucial for early clinical management of acute PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with neurocognitive impairments.
- It is not well understood if acute PTSD also presents with such deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurocognitive functions in individuals with acute PTSD.
- To compare cognitive performance between individuals with acute PTSD, trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD, and trauma-naïve controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests.
- Assessed memory, attention, executive function, and working memory.
Main Results:
- Individuals with acute PTSD exhibited deficits in memory, attention, executive function, and working memory.
- No significant cognitive impairments were observed in trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD or in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Acute PTSD is associated with neurocognitive impairments, suggesting fronto-temporal system dysfunction.
- These findings have implications for the early clinical management of acute PTSD.
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