Correlations Between Cognitive Functions and Clinical Symptoms in Adolescents With Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Bibliographic Data

ID22085146
AuthorsYee‐Jin Shin (0000-0001-8573-4342, Hansei University), Yee Jin Shin, Sun Mi Kim (0000-0003-0899-3580, Chung-Ang University Hospital), Ji Sun Hong (0000-0002-3898-8427, Chung-Ang University Hospital), Doug Hyun Han (0000-0002-8314-0767, Chung-Ang University Hospital, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume9
Pages586389-586389
Publication date2021-04-28
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2021.586389
PMID33996705
OpenAlexW3159223263
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited37

Introduction: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is characterized by the typical symptoms of PTSD, in addition to affective dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in interpersonal relationships. Children and adolescents with C-PTSD have been reported to have deficits in emotional and cognitive functions. We hypothesized that the following are associated with the severity of C-PTSD symptoms: (1) adolescents with C-PTSD who show deficits in emotional perception and cognitive functions, including executive function and attention; and (2) deficits in neurocognitive functions. Methods: Information on 69 adolescents with PTSD, aged 10–19 years, was gathered from seven shelters. All participants were assessed using complete clinical scales, including the C-PTSD Interview and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and neurocognitive function tests, including the emotional perception, mental rotation, and modified Tower of London tests. Results: Adolescents with C-PTSD were more likely to have a history of sexual assault, dissociation, and self-harm than those with PTSD. The total and subscale scores of the C-PTSD Interview Scale in adolescents with C-PTSD were higher than that in adolescents with PTSD. In addition, neurocognitive functions, including emotional perception, attention, and working memory, were correlated with the severity of C-PTSD symptoms. Discussion: Adolescents with C-PTSD experienced more serious clinical symptoms and showed more deficits in neurocognitive functions than adolescents with PTSD. Clinicians should pay careful attention toward the emotional and neurocognitive functions when assessing and treating patients with C-PTSD

Anxiety · Cognition · Neurocognitive · Psychiatry · Traumatic stress · Child Abuse and Trauma · Clinical Psychology · Migration, Health and Trauma · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology

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