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Sleep Quality and Cognitive Impairments in Children and Adolescents with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or

Mauricio Barrera-Valencia1,2, Liliana Calderon-Delgado1,2, Ana Adan3,4

  • 1Cognitive Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Antioquia, Calle 67 No. 53-108, Medellín 050010, Colombia.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|February 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression (DEP) experience significant sleep and cognitive issues. This study found these alterations are closely linked, suggesting targeted interventions are needed.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances and cognitive deficits are prevalent in pediatric Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression (DEP).
  • Understanding the interplay between these symptoms is crucial for effective treatment strategies in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances and cognitive alterations in adolescents with PTSD and/or DEP.
  • To compare these alterations across diagnostic groups: PTSD, DEP, comorbid PTSD+/DEP+, and a control group.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative, cross-sectional exploratory study involving 130 students (ages 11-16).
  • Participants were categorized into PTSD, DEP, PTSD+/DEP+, and control groups.
  • Statistical analyses included MANOVA and multiple one-way ANOVA tests.

Main Results:

  • A significant interaction was found between cognitive and sleep alterations.
  • Sleep patterns were significantly altered in groups with PTSD, DEP, and PTSD+/DEP+.
  • Cognitive alterations were most pronounced in individuals with PTSD and comorbid PTSD+/DEP+.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric PTSD and DEP significantly impact both cognitive function and sleep patterns.
  • Findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing sleep and cognitive deficits in affected children.
  • The study underscores the complex relationship between trauma, depression, and associated neurocognitive and sleep impairments.

Keywords:
child and adolescent PTSDdepressionneurocognitive alterationsleep quality

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