Memory and prefrontal functions in earthquake survivors: differences between current and past post-traumatic stress disorder patients

Eren-Kocak E., KILIÇ C., Aydin I., Hizli F. G.

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, vol.119, no.1, pp.35-44, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 119 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01281.x
  • Journal Name: ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.35-44
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: Many studies reported deficits in cognitive functions in post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD). Most were, however, conducted on man-made trauma survivors. The high comorbidity of alcohol use and depression with PTSD in these studies further complicated the interpretation of their results. We compared prefrontal lobe functions and memory in three earthquake survivor groups: current PTSD, past PTSD and no PTSD. We hypothesized that prefrontal performances of the current and past PTSD groups would be worse than that of control group. Method: Survivors of the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey were evaluated for current and lifetime PTSD. Memory and prefrontal functions were assessed by a neuropsychological test battery.