J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2023 May;62(2):78-85. 10.4306/jknpa.2023.62.2.78.

The Cognitive Profiles of Partial PTSD in Vietnam War Veterans

• Song J
• So HS
• Choi H
• Choi JH
• Lee SH

• KMID: 2542927
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2023.62.2.78

Abstract

Objectives
This study identifies the distinct cognitive function profiles of partial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods
Medical records of Vietnam War Korean Veterans, who visited a psychiatric clinic and underwent a Clinician-Administered PTSD scale (CAPS) and neurocognitive test on the same day, were retrospectively reviewed. Based on the CAPS interview, participants were divided into partial PTSD (n=10) and non-PTSD (n=36) groups. The neurocognitive test score profiles of both groups were compared. Analysis of covariance was performed to adjust the contribution of possible confounders to cognitive function.
Results
Cognitive profile analysis displayed significantly poorer performance of executive function and mental flexibility (measured by the Trail Making Test B) and concentration (measured by mini mental status exam) in the partial PTSD group. When adjusted with age, depressive symptom measure, and education level, no significant differences were obtained in the cognitive profiles between both groups.
Conclusion
Results of the current study revealed a deficit in executive function and concentration in partial PTSD subjects compared to non-PTSD. However, when adjusted with possible confounders such as depressive symptoms, the cognitive profiles of partial PTSD displayed no significant difference with the cognitive profiles of non-PTSD subjects.

Keyword

Post-traumatic stress disorder; Psychological trauma; Cognitive function; Neurocognitive test; Veterans’ health