Neurocognitive functioning over the course of STAIR Narrative Therapy for ICD-11 complex PTSD

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is linked to significant neurocognitive deficits, particularly in memory, attention, and executive functions, impacting daily life and recovery.
• While PTSD is known to affect cognition, CPTSD may present more severe neurocognitive challenges due to distinct symptom profiles and neural underpinnings.
• Existing research has not yet investigated the potential for neurocognitive improvements in CPTSD following treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if neurocognitive functioning changes during Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Narrative Therapy (SNT).
• To analyze neurocognitive outcomes in women diagnosed with childhood-abuse-related complex PTSD (CPTSD) undergoing SNT.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving thirteen women (ages 21-46) diagnosed with ICD-11 CPTSD resulting from childhood abuse.
• CPTSD diagnosis and severity were assessed using the International Trauma Interview.
• Neurocognitive functions were evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and three months after treatment.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in immediate memory and global cognitive scores three months post-treatment compared to baseline.
• No significant changes were found in visuospatial construction, attention, language, or delayed memory scores over the treatment course.
• The study provides preliminary evidence for SNT's positive impact on specific cognitive domains in CPTSD.

Conclusions:

• Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Narrative Therapy (SNT) shows potential for enhancing immediate memory and global cognitive functioning in individuals with CPTSD.
• SNT may also contribute to the improvement of CPTSD symptoms.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms driving SNT's effects on cognitive function.