Multivariate assessment of explicit memory function in combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

Declarative memory impairment is a frequent complaint of patients suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We assessed memory, attention, visual spatial skills. and executive function in Vietnam combat veterans wi th (n = 19) and without (n = 13) PTSD. Although PTSD subjects demonstrated a "generalized impairment" relative to non-PTSD subjects on a majority of t asks, only attention and memory provided unique and independent prediction of PTSD versus non-PTSD status. Our findings suggest that memory functionin g represents a neurocognitive domain of specific relevance to the developme nt of PTSD in trauma-exposed individuals, which can be distinguished from g eneralized attentional impairment as well as the effects of trauma exposure severity, IQ, comorbid depression, history of alcohol use, and history of developmental learning problems.