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Neurocognition in PTSD: Treatment Insights and Implications

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Book cover Behavioral Neurobiology of PTSD

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 38))

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is classified as a traumatic stress-related condition and is most often discussed in terms of emotional dysfunction. However, given that cognitive and emotional processes are intricately intertwined, implemented by overlapping brain networks, and effectively integrated in at least some of the same regions (e.g., prefrontal cortex, for a review, see Crocker et al. 2013), an abundance of literature now highlights the key role that cognitive functioning plays in both the development and maintenance (or exacerbation) of PTSD symptoms (Aupperle et al. 2012a; Verfaellie et al. 2012). Findings from this body of work detail objective impairment in neuropsychological function in those with PTSD (Brandes et al. 2002; Hayes et al. 2012a; Koenen et al. 2001). Yet despite the impact of neurocognition on PTSD treatment engagement and success (e.g., Haaland et al. 2016; Nijdam et al. 2015) and conversely, the role of PTSD treatment in normalizing cognitive dysfunction, a much smaller literature exists on neurocognitive changes following treatment for PTSD. Even aside from its role in treatment, cognitive functioning in PTSD has significant implications for daily functioning for individuals with this disorder, as cognition is predictive of school achievement, obtaining and maintaining employment, job advancement, maintaining relationships, greater wealth, and better health and quality of life (e.g., Diamond and Ling 2016).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA

    Amy J. Jak, Laura D. Crocker & Jessica Bomyea

  2. University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Amy J. Jak

  3. Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA

    Robin L. Aupperle & Ashley Clausen

  4. University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA

    Robin L. Aupperle & Ashley Clausen

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  1. Amy J. Jak
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  2. Laura D. Crocker
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  3. Robin L. Aupperle
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  4. Ashley Clausen
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  5. Jessica Bomyea
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Correspondence to Amy J. Jak .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Eric Vermetten

  2. Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA

    Dewleen G. Baker

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Victoria B. Risbrough

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Jak, A.J., Crocker, L.D., Aupperle, R.L., Clausen, A., Bomyea, J. (2016). Neurocognition in PTSD: Treatment Insights and Implications. In: Vermetten, E., Baker, D.G., Risbrough, V.B. (eds) Behavioral Neurobiology of PTSD. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 38. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2016_62

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