COGNITIVE-FUNCTIONING AND POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER

Objective: The authors examined the association of cognitive impairmen t with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric diag noses known to affect cognitive functioning. Method: The results of st andardized neuropsychological tests were compared in four groups of Vi etnam veterans: veterans with both a lifetime history of PTSD and a cu rrent diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse; veterans w ith only a PTSD diagnosis; veterans with only a current diagnosis of d epression, anxiety, or substance abuse; and veterans with none of thes e diagnoses. Results: Veterans with both PTSD and concurrent diagnoses exhibited more impairment in cognitive functioning than did veterans without these diagnoses. Conclusions: Cognitive deficits seen among pe rsons diagnosed with PTSD may be associated with their concomitant dia gnoses.