Clinical and neuropsychological predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder
Date
2014-11
Authors
Suliman, Sharain
Stein, Dan J.
Seedat, Soraya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Abstract
Abstract: Although acute responses to traumatic stress generally
resolve within a few weeks, some individuals experience severe and
persistent problems, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While studies have identified a variety of predictors of PTSD, not all
data are consistent. This longitudinal study examined the predictive
power of neurocognitive deficits with regard to PTSD severity.
One hundred thirty one road traffic collision (RTC) survivors
were included within 2 weeks of the RTC and followed up 3 and
6 months later to determine severity of PTSD.
Impairment on tests of information processing, executive functioning,
verbal learning, and motor speed predicted PTSD severity
when neuropsychological, clinical, and sociodemographic factors
were all taken into account. Clinical variables (initial symptoms,
psychiatric diagnoses, disability, trait anxiety, perceived stress,
negative cognitions, and sleep) were associated with 3 and 6-month
PTSD severity, but only trait anxiety was predictive of PTSD
severity. Ethnicity and education were also found to be predictive.
These findings suggest implementation of a holistic approach to
screening for PTSD and support a need for interventions that target
neurocognitive, clinical, and social variables. Early targeted profiling
of this group of trauma survivors can inform early clinical
interventions and policy.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund
The original publication is available at http://www.md-journal.com
Please cite as follows:
Suliman, S., Stein, D. J., & Seedat, S. 2014. Clinical and neuropsychological predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Medicine, 93(22), doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000000113.
The original publication is available at http://www.md-journal.com
Please cite as follows:
Suliman, S., Stein, D. J., & Seedat, S. 2014. Clinical and neuropsychological predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Medicine, 93(22), doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000000113.
Keywords
Neuropsychological predictors, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Traumatic stress
Citation
Suliman, S., Stein, D. J., & Seedat, S. 2014. Clinical and neuropsychological predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder. Medicine, 93(22), doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000000113.