Back to Search Start Over

Complex PTSD symptom clusters and executive function in UK Armed Forces veterans: a cross-sectional study

Authors :
Natasha Biscoe
Emma New
Dominic Murphy
Source :
BMC Psychology, Vol 12, Iss 1, Pp 1-8 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
BMC, 2024.

Abstract

Abstract Background Less is known about complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) than postrraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans, yet this population may be at greater risk of the former diagnosis. Executive function impairment has been linked to PTSD treatment outcomes. The current study therefore aimed to explore possible associations between each CPTSD symptom cluster and executive function to understand if similar treatment trajectories might be observed with the disorder. Methods A total of 428 veterans from a national charity responded to a self-report questionnaire which measured CPTSD symptom clusters using the International Trauma Questionnaire, and executive function using the Adult Executive Function Inventory. Single and multiple linear regression models were used to analyse the relationship between CPTSD symptom clusters and executive function, including working memory and inhibition. Results Each CPTSD symptom cluster was significantly associated with higher executive function impairment, even after controlling for possible mental health confounding variables. Emotion dysregulation was the CPTSD symptom cluster most strongly associated with executive function impairment. Conclusions This is the first study to explore the relationship between executive function and CPTSD symptom clusters. The study builds on previous findings and suggests that executive function could be relevant to CPTSD treatment trajectories, as is the case with PTSD alone. Future research should further explore such clinical implications.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20507283
Volume :
12
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMC Psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.328ce4d2d7d4d4a8880b544089ac8c0
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01713-w