Memory in PTSD:A Neurocognitive Approach

Abstract

Memory changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are pervasive. How the traumatic event is encoded and retrieved is central to the experience of the disorder; however, more general abnormalities in autobiographical recollection and in new learning are also commonly observed. These memory abnormalities are likely due at least in part to the impact of the traumatic event and the neurobiological alterations associated with PTSD, but memory factors that exist prior to trauma also play a role in the development and maintenance of PTSD. Thus, we consider memory as both a symptom and a risk factor for PTSD. In the domain of autobiographical memory, we examine recollection of personally experienced general and trauma-related events. In the domain of new learning, we characterize everyday memory for emotionally neutral information and consider distinct changes in PTSD in the encoding and retrieval of information that has strong emotional valence and trauma relevance. We highlight specifically the contribution of neuropsychological and cognitive neuroscience studies, with the goal of elucidating the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying memory changes associated with PTSD.

Comparing the Neuropsychological Test Performance of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans with and without Blast Exposure, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

“…Furthermore, because combat-deployed personnel are exposed to multiple cognitive risk factors such as environmental pollutants and physical and psychological stress, blast exposure and TBI are not the only potential sources of combat-related cognitive effects (Vasterling & Proctor, 2011). In particular, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is very common in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF)-deployed personnel, and is also associated with cognitive difficulties (Verfaellie & Vasterling, 2009).…”

Threat of Death and Autobiographical Memory

“…Conversely, however, studies of real-life traumatic experiences that involve significant loss of life, serious injury, or the threat thereof show inconsistent and, at times, conflicting patterns of mnemonic responses in both patients with PTSD and in resilient, healthy individuals exposed to trauma. Although many studies have shown that trauma exposure enhances memory for the traumatic incident (Berntsen, Willert, & Rubin, 2003; Megías, Ryan, Vaquero, & Frese, 2007; Peace & Porter, 2004; Porter & Peace, 2007; Schelach & Nachson, 2001; Sharot, Martorella, Delgado, & Phelps, 2007), an attenuation or fragmentation of memory for traumatic experiences has also been observed (Briere & Conte, 1993; Koss, Figueredo, Bell, Tharan, & Tromp, 1996; Schonfeld, Ehlers, Bollinghaus, & Rief, 2007; Tromp, Koss, Figueredo, & Tharan, 1995; van der Kolk & Fisler, 1995; also see Brewin, 2001; McNally, 2006; Verfaellie & Vasterling, 2009 for review). Additional studies have focused on memory for non-traumatic events in patients with PTSD, where, on average, a pattern of overgeneral memory recollection is observed (i.e., primarily factual or repeated information as opposed to details specific in time and place definitive of episodic re-experiencing; Brown et al, 2013; Kleim & Ehlers, 2008; Moradi et al, 2008; Williams et al, 2007; also see Verfaellie & Vasterling, 2009).…”

“…Additional studies have focused on memory for nontraumatic events in patients with PTSD, where, on average, a pattern of overgeneral memory recollection is observed (i.e., primarily factual or repeated information as opposed to details specific in time and place definitive of episodic reexperiencing; A. Brown et al, 2013; Kleim & Ehlers, 2008; Moradi et al, 2008; Williams et al, 2007; also see Verfaellie & Vasterling, 2009).…”

Cognitive and neural consequences of memory suppression in major depressive disorder

“…These findings implicate rumination as a key component of SIF abnormalities in MDD. Gaining a better understanding of how depressed individuals struggle to control access to memory will not only help elucidate the core features of depression, but may be relevant for other disorders that also involve difficulty controlling unwanted thoughts (e.g., Brewin, Gregory, Lipton, & Burgess, 2010 ; Catarino, Kupper, Werner-Seidler, Dalgleish, & Anderson, 2015 ; Depue, Burgess, Bidwell, Willcutt, & Banich, 2010 ; Koob & Volkow 2009 ; Marzi, Regina, & Righi, 2014 ; Verfaellie & Vasterling, 2009 ).…”