The association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and executive functioning
Nawal Ouhmad1, Nicolas Combalbert1, Wissam El Hage2
1EA 2114, laboratoire PAVeA, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
Cognitive Neuropsychiatry
|February 3, 2024
Summary
This study found that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is linked to executive function deficits. Depression significantly contributes to these executive function disturbances in individuals with PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with executive functioning impairments.
- Understanding the interplay between PTSD, executive functions, anxiety, and depression is crucial for clinical populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between executive functions and the presence of anxiety and depression in individuals with PTSD.
- To determine if executive function disturbances in PTSD are primarily linked to PTSD severity or comorbid depression.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 180 participants was divided into three groups: PTSD (n=60), trauma-exposed without PTSD (n=60), and controls (n=60).
- Participants were assessed for PTSD, dissociation, executive functions, anxiety, and depression.
Main Results:
- Individuals with PTSD exhibited significant difficulties in executive functioning.
- These executive function deficits were found to be related to the levels of anxiety and depression experienced by the participants.
- Specifically, working memory updating issues were strongly associated with depression levels.
Conclusions:
- PTSD severity correlates positively with executive function disturbances.
- Depression appears to be a primary driver of executive function disturbances, particularly in working memory, in individuals with PTSD, more so than PTSD alone.
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